JOHOR BARU: A "different" Malaysian team showed up in each of the four quarters on Thursday, and were soundly beaten 7-4 by Britain in the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC).
The only silver lining was that when down 0-3, Malaysia fought back to equalise but then lost their winning script.
It was the hosts" fourth straight defeat and Malaysia will now play South Africa for seventh placing on Friday.
Malaysia coach Amin Rahim said: "We came prepared for Britain's baseline attacks, but my players still failed to execute what was told to them, and five field goals went in as a result.
"We will be playing for nothing but pride against South Africa on Friday, and I expect nothing but a win from my players."
Three goals and a yellow card in the first 15 minutes silenced not only the crowd at the Taman Daya Stadium, but also the drummers who tried to motivate Malaysia earlier.
Britain, the only team at the SoJC who did not qualify for the Kuala Lumpur Junior World Cup on Dec 5-16, were clinical in the semi-circle while Malaysia wasted the chances that came their way.
The yellow card was served to Che Nur Aqilrullah in the eighth minute for a diving tackle to score, and a man-less Malaysia made Britain's task of scoring their second goal easier with a tap in from close range.
In the first quarter, Britain's goals were scored by Matthew Hughsin (fifth), Ted Graves (ninth) and Ali Douglas (15th).
Malaysia had 45 minutes to get their act together, and surprisingly, a team with a different attitude came onto the pitch after two minutes of rest.
The fightback was initiated by skipper Faris Harizan off a 22nd minute penalty corner attempt, and two minutes later, Andywalfian Jeffrynus sent the ball crashing to the top of the net to narrow the gap to 3-2,
Harris Iskandar then ignited hope of Malaysia's first SoJC win with a solo run and good finishing when he came face-to-face with Britain goalkeeper Calum Douglas in the 27th minute.
The crowd were pleased, and cheered the Malaysian team as the half-time hooter blew. Malaysia went into the dressing room to plan for the next 30 minutes.
The third quarter was as mind-boggling as the first, as Malaysia played in patches and allowed Britain to score their fourth and fifth goals off Jacob Payton in the 36th and 43rd.
The saving grace in the final quarter was when Faris scored his second goal to make it 5-4, and Malaysia had 15 more minutes to make or break.
Coach Amin Rahim removed No 1 goalkeeper Raf Aizul and replaced him with Danish Afnan Faizal, but Britain were in top form and Henry Markham scored their sixth in the 49th minute to make it 6-4.
The seventh blow was delivered by Rory Penrose in the 54th.
RESULTS: 5th-8th: New Zealand 3 South Africa 1; Britain 7 Malaysia 4.
FRIDAY: Semi-finals: India v Germany (4pm); Australia v Pakistan (8.35pm); 7th-8th: Malaysia v South Africa (3.30pm)