THE Malaysian men’s hockey squad failed to end their 60-year wait for gold after losing 1-3 in a penalty shoot-out to Japan in the Asian Games final at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta .
Harpal Singh Bedi / Jakarta
Japan hockey” s fairy tale journey continued as their men’s team after trailing 1-4 not only drew parity (6-6)but then knocked out Malaysia 3-1 in penalty shootout to win the Gold in the 18th Asian Games here on Saturday.
It was a double delight for 2020 Olympic hosts as they won both men and Women’s titles in the process ruined Malaysian and Indian Parties.
A last ten- minute high voltage drama turned the table and Japan from being vanished became vanquisher.
In one of the most thrilling final played in recent times, Japan surprised everybody with their resilience and fighting qualities.
At one stage of the final Malaysia looked a run way winner having taken, what looked like a unbeatable 4-1 lead but obviously the loser had underestimated the fighting qualities of their rivals.
Malaysia were off to a blistering start as they took the lead in the 4th minute through Mohd Saari who converted a penalty corner.
Japan equalised four minutes later through Seren Tanaka (1-1) But after that Malaysian went on goal spree dismantling the Japanese defence pumping three goals in a space of six minute (4-1) before the ultimate winners drew one back to make it 4-2 at half time.
Malaysian held on to the lead for another twenty minutes in the second half before raising the goal tally to 5-2 in the50th minute . Then came the Japanese stunning fight back as they pumped in three goals in a space of six minutes to make it 5-5.
Malaysian struck again in the 59th minute(6-5) but few seconds before the final whistle Japan equalise (6-6) to leave the Malaysian players and supports bewildered.
For Malaysia the goal scorers were Tajuddin Ahmed 93), Maoh Razie, Faizal Saari and Mohd Arshad (one each). Kenta Tanaka(2), Seren Tanaka, Kiato Tanaka, Y.Koji and Hiro Masa Ochiai (one each) were the scorers for Japan.
In the penalty shootout Japan over powered Malaysia 3-1 to win their first ever Men’s Hockey Gold in the Asian Games and deprived Malaysia the chance to directly qualify for 2020 Olympics.