Hockey - Azlan Shah Cup 2012: New Zealand is the Favorite

-COL DR. ABDUL RUFF

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As of today, Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Argentina  are among the top players of hockey. Azlan Shah Cup 2012 being hosted by Malaysia, a weak team, has brought NZ to the focus. NZ has already reached the final with Argentina and is likely to win the cup.

There are Seven Teams Participating In Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament 2012 from 24th may 2012, England, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, South Korea, New Zealand and Argentina.

For the first time in the history of Azlan Shah Cup, Pakistan, former champions,  has fallen to the bottom of the table with a meager 3 points.  In fact, the Pakistanis did not show any interest in the tournament and most of the players looked as if they had not taken food for days and even on that day they did not even drink some water before coming to the field. Possibly, these guys were denied permission by the  tournament organizers, including Indians, to drink some water, if not juice, to energize themselves for the  play. They were wiling to hand over the ball if the opponents eagerly demand it. .

Argentina defeated Malaysia 1-0 to qualify for the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia. It was heartbreak for Great Britain as they watched from the stands where a solitary goal was enough to deny them a chance to play in the final against New Zealand. But the story of the day was Pakistan’s fall from grace as the Asian Champions finished as wooden spoonists after they lost 2-1 to Great Britain.

Malaysia lost to New Zealand in the biggest loss for Malaysia in this tournament. They lost 4-1 to New Zealand. In the first half, New Zealand leading by 3-0. Entering second half, Malaysia manage to get a goal.

Although both NZ and Argentina are equally poised for the 2012 cup, the former has displayed  good strategy throughout, except the last match they played against Korea, possibly helping it to come  up with more points.  

Malaysia is set to play again host for the 2013 Asia Cup that offers a berth to the 2014 World Cup. The decision to award the host job to Malaysia was taken at the Asian Hockey Federation Council meeting chaired by HRH Sultan Azlan Shah at Ipoh yesterday. 

New Zealand's particiaption in Olympics is assured.