KAZAKS ALMOST THROUGH

 

Kazakhstan have virtually booked a place in the second round of the World League when they defeated Singapore 5-1 at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium.

They will however have to wait for the Malaysia v Sri Lanka match as a win by Sri Lanka will lead to the qualification to be decided by goal difference.

However the Sri Lankans have been set with a tall order, not only they have to defeat Malaysia but will have to score at least six goals to pip Kazakhstan.

It was a much better performance from Kazakhstan who made use of their experience and utilised the chances to register a convincing win despite a hesistant start.

They almost took the lead in the 15^th minute through a penalty corner when Vera Domashneva whose attempt went narrowly past the post.

However Kazakhstan were not to be denied as they opened scoring in the 18^th minute through Gulnara Imangaliyeva.

 But Singapore were undeterred and found the equaliser in the 31^st minute through O Ming Fen whose penalty corner hit was deflected into goal by Kazakhstan defender.

Three minutes into the second half Natalya Gataulina weaved past three defenders before slotting the ball past Singaporean custodian Cookie Tan Koon Kim to give Kazakhstan a 2-1 lead.

Natalya scored a superb third goal for Kazakhstan, sending in a reverse stick flick sailing into goal from the edge of the semi circle.

Gulnara then added a fourth goal in the 54^th minute, before Vera made it 5-1 in the 65^th minute and Kazakhstan were well on the way to the second round.