Beijing Olympics Qualifier / Hockey: Minnows Italy give Malaysia a scare

NST

Shahrun Nabil scored Malaysia’s first and last goals in their match against Italy in the Olympic Qualifier yesterday.

MALAYSIA were held to an embarrassing draw against minnows Italy in a nerve-jangling Olympic Qualifier at the Green Stadium yesterday.

With just seconds to go, Italy were leading 4-3 when the Malaysians equalised to remain in the running for a place in the final.

Nothing went right for the Malaysians yesterday as they bungled a handful of sitters and were always fighting to equalise. From only four attempts at goal the entire match, the Italians scored on each occasion.

Compared to their earlier matches, Malaysia played like novices yesterday and were punished in the 23rd minute from Italy's first penalty corner when Alessandro Nanni flicked high into the net.

Italy had taken the lead much to the dismay of favourites Malaysia. Coach Sarjit Singh and his assistant Gurmit Singh look on in total disbelief. Malaysia are ranked 14th while Italy a distant 37th in the world.
It was sunny for yesterday's earlier matches but one could feel the shivers going the spines of the entire Malaysian bench and officials watching from the stands.

Second penalty corner flicker Amin Rahim had a chance to put things right but his first try hit the post, his second was palmed away by the Italy goalkeeper while the third lacked any power.

The forwards were blunt and were only saved in the 35th minute when Shahrun Nabil equalised with a brilliant reverse stick shot. Malaysia emerged from the dressing room and tried to make things right but another surprise awaited them.

Italy scored their second goal!

This time skipper Jacopo Lunetta slotted in a penalty corner rebound in the 45th minute, and Malaysia were left trailing again. More embarrassment.

However, a few quick forays into the Italian semi-circle won them a 46th minute penalty stroke which Amin duly tucked in to make it 2-2.

Malaysia took the lead for the first time in the 58th minute when Jiwa scored a direct penalty corner push only for the Italians to equalise in the 64th minute through Daniele Malta, and then take the lead again courtesy of a Massimo Lanzano strike just two minutes later.

With time running out quickly, Shahrun saved Malaysia the blushes when he connected home just as the final horn sounded.

"This is the worst performance from my players since I took over as coach," said an infuriated Sarjit.

"I have no immediate answers to what happened today (yesterday), but our campaign has not ended. It has just become tougher as we now need to win all the remaining matches."