SA men to face Malaysia in play-off
South Africa’s men’s hockey team will take on Group A’s sixth-placed Malaysia in a play-off match to see who will finish 11th in this year’s World Cup.
The match in Hague will take place on Thursday afternoon, kick-off at 13:30 (CAT).
The Proteas endured a rough ride in their group stages encounter, falling to five consecutive defeats, with the last coming in a 5-1 demolition against Argentina.
South Africa’s lack of a decisive touch in front of goal proved their failing factor in this World Cup and it was the case once again when they struggled to compete against the superior ability of the South Americans.
Argentina led 2-0 going into the interval and increased their lead to three goals before University of Johannesburg student Clint Panther scored one of the best goals of the tournament with a superb individual effort
As a result, South Africa will be forced to play Malaysia for the 11th and 12th placed play-off, one which they are familiar with.
The men’s team took part in the same play-off back in London 2012, where they edged out India to finish a disappointing 11th.
Should South Africa win, it would be their first triumph on Dutch soil this whole World Cup.
