The 2012 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is the 21st edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. It was held from 24 May to 3 June 2012 in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. New Zealand won their first ever title by defeating Argentina with 1–0 in the final, while five time champions India took the bronze medal by defeating Great Britain scoring 3–1.[1]
Participating nations
Seven countries participated in this year's tournament:
In the match to decide the fifth and sixth placing, Korea edged Malaysia 3–2. Korea scored in the opening minute through Hyun Hye-Sung but Malaysia drew level in the 17th minute via Hafifi Hafiz Hanafi. Korea then scored twice, via Jang Jong-Hyun (42nd minute) and You Hyo-Sik (50th minute) to take a 3–1 lead. Although Malaysia reduced the deficit via Faizal Saari in the 63rd minute, there was not enough time for an equaliser.
In the match to decide the bronze medal, India came from a goal down to defeat Great Britain 3–1. Ashley Jackson opened scoring in the 35th minute as his penalty corner flick sailed into goal giving Indian goal keeperBharat Chettri no chance whatsoever. India were undeterred as they created several chances and they were duly rewarded as Shivendra Singh fired home in the 43rd minute to level the scores. Sandeep Singh showed he still had it in him despite an indifferent performance in earlier matches by converting a penalty corner in the 52nd minute. Tushar Khandekar sealed the third spot with a goal in the 69th minute for India.
New Zealand defeated Argentina to lift the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for the first time in its 21 years of competition. It was heartbreaking for Argentina who dominated the proceedings but just could not find their scoring touch. New Zealand were awarded a penalty corner in the 18th minute and Andy Hayward stepped up to send a low flick past a despairing dive by Argentina keeper Juan Manuel Vivaldi. Argentina were awarded two penalty corners, one in the 31st minute and the second in the 39th and New Zealand keeper Kyle Pontifex denied them on both occasions. Pontifex was awarded "Man of the Match" in the final game.