Just when it was required for India to put things together, they crashed to a 0-1 defeat to Malaysia to hand the final berth to Great Britain on a platter
India's Chinglensana Kangujam (left) and Malaysia's Azuan Hasan battle for the ball during an Azlan Shah Cup tie yesterday. Pic/PTI
Ipoh (Malaysia): Just when it was required for India to put things together, they crashed to a 0-1 defeat to Malaysia to hand the final berth to Great Britain on a platter. Hosts Malaysia did everything right, kept their heads and didn't do much wrong in giving the Asian Games champions a defeat that not only kept India out of the final but would surely question their ability to win under pressure.
Ranked 6th in the world, India played like a team crippled. With this defeat, India now take on New Zealand for the bronze medal while reigning champions Australia take on Great Britain in the final. Malaysia will play Japan for the 5th/6th spot. Malaysia's match-winner came off Shahril Saabah who fired in the 4th penalty corner with nine minutes remaining.
On form, this should have been a walk in the park or at the most a gritty display leading to victory and place in the final. On the contrary, it was a rusty display with no player willing to shoulder the burden.
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