Canadian fury mars Dutch romp, Malaysia hold Britain

Virjee’s tirade came after the Dutch, restricted to a 2-1 lead at half-time and 3-2 soon after the break, went on a late offensive to win by a convining margin. He was particularly annoyed at a penalty corner given to the Dutch at the stroke of half-time which Bram Lomans converted to put his team 2-1 ahead.

“There was no way that corner should have been called, but umpires always have their way,” Virjee said.

A spokesman of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) declined to comment on Virjee’s extraordinary outburst. The umpires stepped in repeatedly to cool frayed tempers as the Canadians fought hard to keep the defending champions and hot favourites in check. Teun de Nooijer scored two goals and Lomans, Stephen Veen and Remco van Wijk one each for the Dutch. Canada’s goals came from Ken Pereira and Peter Milkovich.

The Dutch head the group of death with seven points from three matches. Germany and Pakistan, who have played one game less, follow with six and four points respectively. Canada, the Pan-American champions who last played in the Olympics in 1988, have a solitary point from three outings.

Keevan Raj, meanwhile, scored the equaliser for Malaysia five minutes before the end to deny Britain their first win in the competition. Britain, who suffered their worst Olympic defeat on Monday when Pakistan thrashed them 8-1, finally appeared to get their act together when they ran up a 2-0 lead at half-time. The Malaysians, however, fought back in the last quarter to take their tally to two points from three games. Britain, who have just one point, need to beat both Germany and Canada in their last two games to stay in contention.

Craig Parnham put Britain ahead in the 18th minute following a penalty corner and Mark Pearn increased the margin with a field goal eight minutes before the interval. Malaysia, who forced the Dutch to a 1-1 draw, once again showed their resilience with goals from Nor Saiful Zaini and Raj. (AFP)