Skip to main content

Defensive blues

ASIA CUP: Kumar admits backline has not been impressive

  GOALKEEPER S. Kumar holds the key to Malaysia making the  Asia Cup semi-finals  at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh today.

But going by form, Kumar might allow the Japanese in instead.
Voted the best goalkeeper in Asia in 2011, Kumar and his main defenders Razie Rahim and Baljit Singh have been guilty of letting in five goals in two matches in Ipoh, and a whopping 18 goals in six matches in the World Legue Semi-finals in Johor Baru.

"Yes, five goals in two matches do look a bit too many, but I'm still focused on the task at hand which is to win the Asia Cup gold medal.

"And I will give my best against Japan to achieve that target," said Kumar.
Taiwan scored off their first shot at goal against Kumar, while Pakistan's shots were not that dangerous but the ball still slipped past the defenders and the goalkeeper.

"We did not impress against Japan (1-1) in the World League, and had to win the shoot-out, but I have a feeling that my teammates are ready to beat Japan and play in the semi-finals," said Kumar.
Another player who had a bad run in Johor Baru and is having the same in Ipoh is striker Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, who started his career as a promising player in the 2005 Junior World Cup in Rotterdam.

But he has been overtaken by younger strikers in the last two tournaments.
"I played the feeder's role when playing Taiwan, and against Pakistan, the marking was too tight as at times five players surrounded me when I got the ball.

"And many times when I ran with the ball, there was not enough Malaysian support in the semi-circle to turn the attack into goal. Yes, it has been a disappointing tournament for me, but I hope to deliver against Japan and make it memorable," said Tengku Ahmad.

Pakistan are assured of the top spot in Group A as they play whipping boys Taiwan today, while Malaysia will need to beat or hold Japan to a draw to secure their semi-final slot.

Malaysia’s Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (centre) tries to get past a Pakistan player at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium on Sunday. Pic by Muhaizan Yahya

Read more: HOCKEY: Defensive blues - Other - New Straits Times

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ex-coach's jail sentence cut to a year

PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal yesterday sentenced former athletics coach C. Ramanathan to 12 months' jail for molesting two junior athletes 19 years ago. A three-man bench led by Datuk Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus unanimously dismissed Ramanathan's appeal against conviction, but varied the jail sentence of four years to a year, which was to run concurrently. Following yesterday's ruling, Ramanathan, 75, a former teacher, walked out a free man as he had served 10 months in Kajang Prison. Convicts get one-third remission for good behaviour while in prison. However, he will lose his pension. Hishamudin, who sat with Datuk Abdul Wahab Patail and Datuk Linton Albert, said the court found no merit to overturn the conviction. "However, in reducing the sentence, we considered Ramanathan's age and the long years the appeal has taken." Deputy public prosecutor Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud submitted that then High Court judge Tan Sri Abdull Hamid E...
2 comments
Read more

Govt Always Gives Emphasis To Sporting Culture, Says PM

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 29 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badaw i said the government always gives emphasis on cultivating a strong sporting culture in achieving excellence at the international level. As such, the Prime Minister said, it was important to scout for young talents in sports. "I observe that the Malaysia Games (Sukma) has become one of the important platforms to do so. "In this arena, the potentials and skills of the youngsters can be identified for development so that they can achieve greater success in sports," he said in his message in the souvenir book of the 12th Sukma from May 31 until June 9. Abdullah said he was aware that competition in sports was very keen and challenging but this did not mean that Malaysian athletes were incapable of competing at the international level. "The fact is that we have all the characteristics required to be excellent. We must inculcate a strong fighting spirit so that we don't easily surrender,...
1 comment
Read more

Chance to catch Messi and company

  FAM deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and vice president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin with FC Barcelona chief executive officer Antoni Rossich yesterday. Pic by Osman Adnan LIONEL Messi's presence alone could sell half the tickets despite reigning world club champions FC Barcelona's date with a Malaysian XI at the National Stadium on Aug 10 falling on the third day of Hari Raya. The much anticipated visit of the four-time European champions comes with expectations from fans who want a full star-studded line-up. "The summer will be a busy period with a lot of uncertainty with players moving away and coming in. "But yes, our plans are to bring our full team here," said FC Barcelona chief executive officer Antoni Rossich yesterday. Rossich was speaking at the announcement of the friendly match, which is part of the three-match FC Barcelona Asia Tour 2013, which sees the giants also visiting China and Thailand. Also pre...
2 comments
Read more