New Zealand on Sunday clinched the title of 21st Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in their maiden final appearance, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the summit clash. New Zealand’s match-winner came from Andy Hayward, who converted their first penalty corner by beating Argentine goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi with a low shot.
This was the fifth penalty corner conversion for Hayward, who played a key role in New Zealand’s campaign that saw them top the round-robin league after posting victories in their initial four matches. New Zealand have in past editions of the Azlan Shah Cup claimed the bronze medal four times, including consecutive podium finishes in 2008 and 2009. World number seven New Zealand were the third highest ranked team in the tournament, behind Great Britain and South Korea. Argentina did well to make it to the final after losing their first two matches, but were not able to breach the New Zealand defence led by goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex.
India beat Britain 3-1 to bag bronze in Azlan Shah Cup: Five-time champions India came from behind to stun Great Britain 3-1 and clinch the bronze medal in the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Malaysia on Sunday. India dominated the match, but squandered several scoring opportunities to concede the lead to pre-tournament favourites. Great Britian before staging a spirited comeback in the second session.
Shivendra Singh (42nd minute), Sandeep Singh (52nd) and Tushar Khandekar (69th) scored for India after Ashley Jackson (35th) put Great Britain ahead at the stroke of half time.
India had earlier lost 2-3 to Great Britain, world’s fourth ranked side, in their round robin league encounter, but Michael Nobbs’ boys played a composed game.
India’s domination began in the first minute when they made the first foray into the rival circle from the left flank through Sarvanjit Singh who sent a through pass for Shivendra, but the Indian striker failed to utilise the chance as he ran into a crowd of British defenders.
In the seventh minute, Shivendra was slow in having a crack at the goal from close range after S V Sunil pushed in from the right.
India were soon awarded their first penalty corner when Rupinder Pal Singh was obstructed on top of the circle by Dan Fox, but the opportunity was wasted as Danish Mujtaba could not stop the push.
Shivendra again had a good look at the goal in the 15th minute when he had only the goalkeeper to beat, but his shot lacked power and was easily palmed away.
Four minutes later S K Uthappa was unable to deflect in a diagonal ball from Shivendra.
