Antwerp (Belgium): Izwan Firdaus scored two goals to propel Malaysia to a 4-2 victory over a strong Ireland side and surge to the top of Group B in men's Hockey World League Semifinals at the KHC Dragons on Thursday.
Izwan scored in the 13th and 55th minute to help Malaysia spike the challenge from Ireland. Having earlier prevailed 3-2 over China, Malaysia now head the group with six points from two outings.
Captain Razie Rahim (16th minute) and Sukri Mutalib (39th) were the others shooting on target for Malaysia in a match that was tied 2-2 at half time with Ireland's goals coming from Peter Caruth (14th) and Shane O'Donoghue (19th).
Malaysia are one point ahead of Great Britain, whose 7-1 rout of China today gave them five points from three outings.
Britain were held to identical 2-2 draws by hosts Belgium and Ireland in earlier outings.
Leading the British charge today were Nick Catlin, Sam ward and Mark Gleghorne, with two goals each, while star striker Ashley Jackson managed to open his account in the tournament with one strike in open play. Li Zecheng pulled one back for China.
Hosts Belgium, who are ranked fourth in the world, top Group A with four points from two outings, while Ireland have one point from two matches. China have lost all their three matches and will need to change the trend dramatically if they are to advance to the quarterfinals from the five-team pool.
In Group B, World champions Australia and India both have maximum six points from two outings, but Australia are the the top of the pool with a far superior goal-difference.
After their loss to Australia yesterday, Pakistan are on three points from two matches and take on arch sub-continental hockey rivals India in the showpiece fixture tomorrow.
France also seem heading for the quarterfinals after their victory over Poland, who have lost three successive matches and play world No.1 Australia in their final group outing on Friday.
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