KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia were soundly hammered in the Nations Cup bronze battle, as South Korea sailed away to a 4-0 win at Potchefstroom, South Africa today.
In total, the Speedy Tigers conceded seven goals in the knockout stages, including the 3-0 defeat by Ireland in the semi-finals.
It does not augur well for the Speedy Tigers in preparation for the World Cup in India, which starts on Jan 13.
However, national coach Arul Selvaraj is unperturbed by the discouraging performance.
"We lost seven core players to injury before the tournament, so there were many positional changes.
"It was also difficult for some of the new players to rise to the occasion," he said today.
In the World Cup, Malaysia are in Group C with the Netherlands, New Zealand and Chile.
It was the second victory for the Koreans in the inaugural tournament, as they had beaten Malaysia 1-0 in the group stage as well.
The Korean goals were scored by Seo Inwoo (22nd minute), Lee Namyong (26th), Hwang Taeil (39th) and Jang Jonghyun (59th).
All four Korean scorers are in their 30s, with skipper Namyoung at the ripe old age of 39.
Korea won five penalty corners and scored two, while Malaysia failed to convert from one attempt.
For the record, Malaysia defeated Korea 3-2 in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in November.
"We will rest for a week upon our return (to KL) and then re-group to start preparing for the World Cup.
"Hopefully, some of the injured players will be able to play in India," said Arul.
RESULTS: Third-Fourth: Malaysia 0 South Korea 4;
Fifth-Sixth: France 2 Japan 2 (France win 4-2 in shootout);
Seventh-Eighth: Pakistan 5 Canada 4.