Ipoh (Malaysia): India’s slender hopes of a berth in the final were dashed with results of the last league matches not going their way but the team can still return home with a medal when they take on Great Britain in the bronze medal play-off in the Azlan Shah Cup, here on Sunday.
India’s nine points from six matches gave them the fourth position, which was finalised after the last round of league matches ended today. India will also be hoping to reverse the 2-3 loss of their league encounter to Great Britain, who finished third in the league standings with 11 points form six outings.New Zealand’s 12 points from six matches secured their first entry into the final of the Azlan Shah Cup, where they will meet Argentina, who also finished on 12 points in six games after today’s 1-0 victory over hosts Malaysia. New Zealand finished on top since they had a superior goal difference.
After being assured of a spot in the final, New Zealand showed no urgency in their last match against South Korea, who clinched a 1-0 victory through a penalty corner conversion by Jang Jong-Hyun two minutes from the hooter. Argentina needed to win the last match against Malaysia. They faced some anxious moments as Malaysia played an attacking game, but Pedro Ibarra’s penalty corner conversion in the 40th minute selaed the final berth. (PTI)