Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi (right) scored a double as Malaysia thrashed Chile 7-1 in their opening match at the Junior World Cup on Dec 5.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia began their Junior World Cup campaign in style when they thrashed Chile 7-1 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday (Dec 5).
The presence of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to officiate and witness the match had a positive effect on the Young Tigers who produced a polished display against the South Americans.
Harris Iskandar Osman opened the scoring for Malaysia in their Group A match when he converted a penalty corner in the 13th minute, much to the delight of the 6,000 fans who turned up for the game.
Danish Aiman Khairil Anuar stretched the lead in the 26th minute by scoring a field goal but Chile shocked Malaysia when Sebastian Wolansky scored through a penalty corner in the 34th minute.
However, it was Malaysia’s show after that as Alfarico Lance Liau Jr deflected a rebound of Andywalfian Jeffrynus’ penalty corner into the goal in the 36th minute.
Malaysia increased the lead through a penalty corner goal from Azmilmuizzuddin Misron (39th) and a field goal from Shamir Rizmi Shamsul (41st).
Chief striker Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi capped off Malaysia’s fine performance after thundering in a penalty corner in the 47th minute and sliding in a penalty stroke in the 55th minute.
Young Tigers coach Amin Rahim was pleased with the display of his charges and is expecting them to rise against defending champions Argentina in their second match on Dec 6.
“It feels good to win the first game as it is always the toughest in any tournament and my credit to the players for their battling display,” said Amin.
“We should not respect Argentina too much as I feel we have the chance to battle with them as this team is not as strong as the one which lifted the Junior World Cup in Bhubaneswar (in 2021).
“They (Argentina) are highly skilful but we must focus on our game and play consistently.”
Argentina also began their campaign with a slim 1-0 win over Australia in their opening match on Tuesday (Dec 5).
