Malaysia's Project 2013 lads given the boot

Malaysia's hope of defending the Sultan of Johor Cup is in tatters after the hosts lost 2-0 to Pakistan at the Sultan of Johor Cup International (Under-21) Hockey Championship at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium yesterday.

It was their third consecutive defeat by the 2013 Project Squad, having lost 5-2 to New Zealand on Monday and 3-2 to Australia on Wednesday.

Natioanl 2013 project squad coach Muhammad Dharma Raj Abdullah admitted his side was tactically superior but said his players made several unforced errors.

Pakistan netted the first goal in the 20th minute when Muhammad Dilber managed to enter the 'D' before unleasing a powerful shot to beat goalkeeper Muhammad Hafizuddin Othman.

The team under the guidance of Rana Mujahid Ali scored again in the 39th minute via a field goal by Muhammad Irfan from a pass by Muhammad Dilber.

The shouts of 'Sehati Sejiwa' by supporters to rouse the Malaysian players failed when to change things when the matched ended 2-0 in Pakistan's favour.

According to Muhammad Dharma, the team's focus was on winning third placing against India on Saturday adding the mission would be very difficult.

In the earlier matches, Germany trounced Australia 2-0 through goals by Dieter Linnekogel in the 13th minute and Florians Adrians in the 51st minute.

India, meanwhile, booked a spot in the final after defeating New Zealand 3-1.