KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 ― National coach Stephen van Huizen had a huge smile on his face after Malaysia beat Asian champions India 3-2 in the World League Semifinals in London on Thursday to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
A. Razie Rahim brace in the 19th and 48th minutes, sandwiched Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil’s 20th minute goal — all from penalty corners while India replied via Ramandeep Singh (24th and 26th).
The 57-year-old Stephen was under some pressure after the Tigers finished fifth at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Refusing to give up, he worked tirelessly on set pieces after being heavily criticised for the team’s poor conversion rates.
“Not just at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup but also in Dhaka during the World League Round Two. We had 12 penalty corners and only scored twice,” explained Stephen.
“Before we came here we worked on correcting these weakness. We realised our pushouts weren’t accurate and with technical director Terry Walsh’s help, rectified our mistakes.”
The former national team skipper said not conceding in the third quarter against the marauding Indians was crucial.
“The players put their bodies on the line and showed determination and desire to win. We got some good fortune towards the end but we did enough to win,” said Stephen.
“We thank God for this victory. I also want to thank the fans who have supported us through tough times.
“This is our Raya present for Malaysia.”
Malaysia face Olympic champions Argentina in today’s semifinals.
“We will regroup and prepare for another tough game and hope to play better than our first game against them,” said Stephen.
Argentina beat Malaysia 5-2 in a group match last week.
