By Tony Mariadass

One would have expected national hockey coach Arul Anthoni Selvaraj to be beaming with joy after Malaysia’s 3-1 victory over Pakistan in their opening Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) match at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai yesterday evening.

No, the 49-year-old coach despite the flattering victory over Pakistan, was not happy with the overall performance of the team, and while giving credit to the victory, preferred to play down the win.

“Even though we won the match 3-1, leading 3-0, I am actually very disappointment with the team’s performance. This is not our performance,” Arul told Apa Khabar after the match.

“We have to thank goalkeeper Hafizuddin (Othman) Muhammad for saving us from conceding and saving the penalty stroke and of course Firhan Ashaari and Faizal Saari and Shello, in getting the goals. But the team did not play to their true potential and I am disappointed.”

Firhan scored in the 28th and 29th minutes, while Shello Silverius added a third in the 44th minute, where Faizal paved the way for all three goals with his brilliant setting up for them to score.

Hafizuddin saved a penalty stroke in the 53rd minute and also played a key role in Pakistan scoring from the eight penalty corners they earned and moments when they gave anxious times to Malaysia.

Pakistan netted their only goal of the match through Abdul Rehman in the 55th minute.

Firhan was awarded the Man of the Match award.

Arul went on to add: “There was a lot lacking of ball movement, feet movement, energy and awareness on the pitch. That was very disappointing for me.”

It was a good victory over Pakistan, although it was against a relatively young team in a rebuilding process, but certainly they did not lack in individual talent and skills.

This was the Pakistan team’ first visit to India since the 2018 Hockey World Cup held in Bhubaneswar. The former giants had failed to make the cut for the World Cup held in India earlier this year.

Pakistan’s captain Muhammad Umar Bhatta was the key man in the team, as one of the finest players to grace the hockey field for Pakistan.

He has played and won various tournaments, including a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Champions trophy game in Muscat. He is a forward player and one of the top goal-scorers.

For Pakistan, who have fallen off their perch, the upcoming Asian Games – where they have won a record eight gold medals – remains a daunting task.

Having picked a young team, which will most likely head to Hangzhou, the Asian Champions Trophy is of big importance to Pakistan.

As for Arul, being a task master and always demanding the very best from his team, he may sound hard on his players after their victory over Pakistan, but besides demanding the players best, he is probably also trying to keep his players feet firm on the ground for their coming matches.

Although he has not set any target for the ACT, reaching the semifinals should not be a concern.

Arul is being cautious of any lofty goals at the ACT, which Malaysia has never won, mainly because the ATC is held so close to the Asian Games in Hangzhou (Sept 23 Oct), which is the qualifier for the Paris Olympics.

Having to play seven matches in 10 days, makes it a difficult situation.

Arul wants his see players gain individual confidence, enjoy the game and take one game at a time in ACT, but of course demanding the best in every match.

He has set no targets for the ACT, but it is the Asian Games gold is what he is eyeing to make to the Paris Olympics.

He is also concerned not to pick up any injuries during the ACT.

Malaysia next play Asian Games host China today.

Today: Malaysia v China (8.45pm);
Aug 6: Malaysia v India (11pm);
Aug 7: Malaysia v Japan (6.30pm);
Aug 9: Malaysia v South Korea (8.45pm).