Saturday, June 20, 2009

JWC, MALAYSIA FINISH 12


Malaysia played its worst match in the Junior World Cup and in the process ended up in the 12th spot of the final standings, thus equaling their worst performance in the history of the JWC since its inception in 1979.

Malaysia ended up 12th in 2001 in Hobart and four years later were 10th in Rotterdam.

Much was expected from the team as MHF had set a top four target, but the team slipped eight places to finish 12th. And they played as if they had no interest to finishing 11th.

Belgium scored in the 26th minute through Felix Denayer an doubled their advantage 30 seconds from the halftime whistle through Simon Gougnard.

Amaury Keusters made it 3-0 before the Malaysian boys decided to wake up from their slumber and Izwan Ahmad Tajuddin reduced the deficit in the 43rd minute.

R. Nadesh scored in the 69th minute to give the fans something to cheer about, but it was too little too late.

Japan defeated Egypt 2-1 to finish 13th while Singapore avoided the wooden spoon when they defeated USA 3-1 to end up in the 19th spot.