KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia caused one of the biggest upsets of the season in world hockey when they defeated reigning Olympic champions Argentina 2-1 in Tuesday’s Azlan Shah Cup match in Ipoh.
It is Malaysia’s first win over the World No 2 side since the 6-4 success at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.
With the unexpected win, Stephen Van Huizen's men must now beat Asian champions India on Wednesday for a chance of finishing in the top four.
Malaysia led 2-0 through goals by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (20th minute) and Najmi Jazlan (28th).
Lady luck was also on Malaysia, as just before the half-time hooter, Argentina were awarded a penalty stroke but Juan Gilardi's attempt was blocked by goalkeeper Hairi Rahman.
Tengku's goal came after he tapped the ball in past Argentina goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi in a melee, while Najmi deflected a cross from Faizal Saari from close range.
However, Argentina pulled one back when Diego Paz deflected in a Pedro Ibarra pass in the 32th minute.
With seven minutes left on the clock, Faizal was sent to the sin bin following a yellow card, but Malaysia managed to hold on for the famous victory.
In an earlier match, World No 1 Australia defeated India 4-2 to maintain their lead in the standings.
Australia scored through Mark Knowles (28th), Aran Zalewski (35th), Daniel Beale (41st) and Blake Govers (43rd).
Australia’s Jeremy Edwards netted an own goal in the 52nd minute while Ramandeep Singh scored India’s second a minute later.
In another match, England sent Ireland crashing to their third defeat with a clinical 4-1 victory.
Barry Middleton (15th, 59th) and Sam Ward (37th, 51st) netted for England, while Julian Dale (39th) scored for Ireland.
Results: England 4 Ireland 1, India 2 Australia 4, Malaysia 2 Argentina 1.
Fixtures
Wednesday: Australia v Ireland (4pm), Argentina v England (6pm), Malaysia v India (8.30pm).
* matches at Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
AUSTRALIA 3 3 0 0 11 4 9
ARGENTINA 3 2 0 1 9 7 6
MALAYSIA 3 2 0 1 7 5 6
ENGLAND 3 1 1 1 6 6 4
INDIA 3 0 1 2 5 8 1
IRELAND 3 0 0 3 5 13 0