PETALING JAYA: Malaysia fell at the final hurdle of the men’s Hockey5s World Cup in Muscat, Oman when they lost 2-5 to Holland on Wednesday (Jan 31).
The title showdown saw Holland taking the lead in the first minute through Yannick Van Der Drift.
However, Malaysian captain Akhimullah Anuar Esook equalised in the second minute to keep the contest alive.
Favourites Holland pushed forward where they scored through Pepijn Reyenga (sixth) and Van Der Drift was on target again in the 13th minute to take a 3-1 lead in the first half.
Malaysia, coached by Wallace Tan, closed the gap immediately in the second half when Firdaus Omar scored in the 16th minute but once again Holland pulled away.
Goals from Sander de Wijn (26th) and Jamie van Aart (28th) confirmed Holland as the inaugural champions of the tournament.
Holland had also won the women’s Hockey5s World Cup crown at the same venue on Saturday (Jan 27).
Hosts Oman claimed third spot after beating Poland 3-2 in the playoff.
– TheStar