Story by Carissa Tan/Red Sports. Photos by Jerald Ang/Red Sports
The team celebrates after Haseef Salim (#3) fires in the fourth goal off a penalty corner in Singapore’s 4-0 victory over Thailand. (Photo 1 © Jerald Ang/Red Sports)
Sengkang Hockey Stadium, Wednesday, June 10, 2015 — Singapore triumphed 4-0 over Thailand to qualify for the final match against Malaysia in the 28th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games men’s hockey tournament.
In the 2013 edition of the Games, Singapore came in second, while Thailand placed fourth.
This was Singapore’s third match of the tournament. They drew 1-1 with Myanmar in the first match and lost 1-4 to defending champion, Malaysia, in the second. This meant they had to score at least four goals in this match to qualify for the final.
Singapore was hard on the offence right from the start. They played quick passes and were able to advance into the D just two minutes into the game.
Off a penalty corner four minutes later, Sabri Yuhari (#19) flicked in the opening goal for Singapore.
Once Singapore had the goal advantage, the Thais were hot on their heels. Their strategy of keeping Warun Boonpea (THAI #6) high up in Singapore’s half saw some success as through passes to him easily cut through Singapore defenders.
In the 15th minute, a long ball to Warun Boonpea (THAI #6) saw him in a one-on-one situation with the keeper. A Singapore defender raced back and struck the ball out of bounds. Fortunately for Singapore, Goalkeeper Adon Nur Iszuan (#2) blocked the resultant penalty corner shot.
With three minutes left remaining in the first half, Singapore had an opportunity to extend their lead through a penalty corner. However, they failed to convert it.
Going into the half-time break, the home team led 1-0, which meant they would need to score three in the second half to qualify for the final against Malaysia.
Three minutes into the second half, Karleef Abdullah Sasi (#7) flicked in Singapore’s second goal off yet another penalty corner. Then, with 11 minutes left in the half, Nur Ashriq Zulkepli (#11) drove in the third goal through a crowd of Thai defenders.
The Singapore players knew they needed one more goal to move on to the final, but kept their cool as they pressed forward. They were rewarded a minute later, as Haseef Salim (#3) fired in the pivotal fourth goal for Singapore off a penalty corner.
“I think at first we were a bit sloppy. We got to admit, in the first half, we were rushing and we did not play according to what we were capable of. But then, we started to pick up (momentum), pick our chances and score during our chances. The big thing is that all of us really ran for the ball, back and forth. We played our hearts out and I’m really proud of the boys and everyone, the supporters and even the volunteers,” said Singapore Captain, Enrico Marican (#5).
With this win, Singapore qualify for the final match against Malaysia on June 13, Saturday, 6.30pm at Sengkang Hockey Stadium.
Scoring by Half
SIN vs THA
1st Half: 1-0
2nd Half: 3-0 (4-0)
Scorers
Singapore
Sabri Yuhari (#19)
Karleef Abdullah Sasi (#7)
Nur Ashriq Zulkepli (#11)
Haseef Salim (#3)
Singapore Roster
A Suresh (#1), Nur Iszuan Adon (#2), Haseef Salim (#3), Farhan Kamsani (#4), Enrico Marican (#5), Jaspal Singh (#6), Karleef Abdullah Sasi (#7), Mohd Saifulnizam (#10), Nur Ashriq Zulkepli (#11), Noor Silas (#12), Timothy Goh (#13), Singh Ishwarpal (#14), Sivalingam Johnson (#16), Asali Baqir (#17), Tan Yi Ru (#18), Sabri Yuhari (#19), Muhd Faris (#21), Abdul Hafiz (#23)
Thailand Roster
Phubate Limotai (#1), Samoethep Srilit (#3), Jirayu Sarakool (#5), Warun Boonpea (#6), Surasak Thammueangkhun (#7), Thewarit Maiprasoet (#8), Nisaman Maseela (#9), Satianpong Kosuwan (#10), Yongyut Chatree (#11), Ratthawit Khamkong (#12), Wanchalerm Boonbut (#13), Vong Lenbury (#14), Sumete Pumipat (#16), Rattapong Supapa (#17), Thewarat Maiprasoet (#18), Theppithak Namkhot (#19), Chakan Boonmee (#23), Narit Rodkeaw (#31)
2015 SEA Games Hockey – fixtures and results
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