India did fancy their chances against Malaysia as a win would have taken them virtually into the final but two matches in 20 hours took its toll on the players as India struggled in the midfield yet managed to hold on and draw 2-2 against the Asian Games silver medalists.
India did fancy their chances against Malaysia as a win would have taken them virtually into the final but two matches in 20 hours took its toll on the players as India struggled in the midfield yet managed to hold on and draw 2-2 against the Asian Games silver medalists.
The pace was there in the first 10 minutes but Malaysia were stronger as India struggled with tired legs.u00a0
India took the lead in the 9th minute when a SV Sunil rebounded off the Malaysian goalkeeper and landed in front of Ravi Pal who whacked it in. In the 24th minute, Malaysia finally had the equaliser when Tajuddin Jalil deflected in the flick.
The lead was with Malaysia when a Sreejes error gave them another penalty corner, their fourth as Muhammad Amin scored off a direct flick. At the break, Malaysia led 2-1. India's equaliser came in the 53rd minute when Gurbaz moved it into the striking circle and let loose a cross which a diving Danish Mujtaba connected.
India had a scare when Malaysia were awarded four consecutive penalty corners in the 37th minute but Sreejes brought off a brilliant save of the fourth. India coach Michael Nobbs said the team was tired after the South Korea match and most players were running out of gas. "The draw can be termed satisfying and now we play off with Pakistan for a place in the final." India, Pakistan, Korea and Japan have a chance of making it to the final.
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