KARACHI: New Zealand made it to the final for the first time and clinched their maiden Azlan Shah Cup title after edging out Argentina 1-0 in Ipoh, Malaysia.
Both teams played cautiously as the epic battle got off to a slow start. However, New Zealand struck the all-important goal on the 18th-minute penalty-corner through Andy Hayward, which later proved decisive. Argentina made several efforts to level the deficit but failed to surpass the defiant New Zealand defence.
India secure bronze
Meanwhile, India won bronze medal after defeating Great Britain 3-1. India, who lost to the same opponents 3-2 in the league match of the event, made a good comeback after conceding a goal in the final moments of the first-half as Ashley Jackson found the target.
However, the five-time champions fought back and scored three goals in the final session to confirm a podium finish.
South Korea finish fifth
Meanwhile, South Korea ended in fifth place after edging out a spirited Malaysian side 3-2 in the playoff. Hyun Hye-Sung (first minute), Jang Jong-Hyun (42nd) and You Hyo-Sik (50th) scored goals for the winning side while Hafifi Hafiz (17th) and Faisal Saari (63rd) were the scorers for the hosts.
India’s Sardar Singh was named the best player of the tournament while New Zealand’s Kyle Pontifex was adjudged the best goal-keeper.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 4th, 2012.
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