Malaysia qualify for 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup

Malaysia qualified for the 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup in India after securing a hard-fought 3-2 win over the latter in the quarter-final match at the Hockey World League Semifinal Round in London, United Kingdom on Thursday.

The top four finish is enough for Stephen Van Huizen's side to qualify for the World Cup for the eighth times after having qualified in 1973, 1975, 1978, 1982, 1998, 2002 and 2014.

In the match against India held at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, Malaysia took the lead through penalty corner specialist, Muhammad Razie Abdul Rahim in the 19th minute before forward Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil doubled the advantage, a minute later.

India, however, managed to bounce back and scored two quick goals via Ramandeep Singh in the 24th and 26th minutes.

Muhammad Razie turned a hero for Malaysia after scoring the winning goals in the 48th minute to seal a World Cup spot for the country.

Malaysia will square-off with Argentina in the semi-final match on Saturday after the 2014 World Cup semifinalist defeated Pakistan 3-1 in another quarter-final match.

For the record, both teams have met in the preliminary Group A match in June 16 which saw Argentina won 5-2.

-- BERNAMA