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IPOH, Malaysia: Argentina made it to the finals of the Sultan AzlanShah Cup after a 1-0 victory over hosts Malaysia on Saturday, whilefavourites Britain saw their dream of a championship title crumble. Argentina, the 2008 champions, will meet New Zealand on Sunday, inthe finals of the Malaysian tournament which this year is animportant last warm-up for the London Olympics. But the South Americans will go into the last round withconsiderable trepidation, given that at an earlier meeting in thetournament they were crushed 5-2 by the Kiwis. It was heartbreak for Britain, however, as they watched powerlessfrom the stands as Argentina's one goal against Malaysia deniedthem a chance to play in the final. New Zealand had already booked their final berth on Thursday. Butthey failed to maintain their unbeaten record, falling to a 0-1defeat to South Korea, with Jang Jong-Hyun scoring the winner inthe 68th minute. At an earlier match in the Malaysian city of Ipoh, Britain cameback from one goal down to beat Pakistan 2-1. Britain's narrow victory allowed Argentina to play calmly and toconcentrate on a simple win against Malaysia to qualify for thefinals. Argentina scored in the 39th minute when a low drag flick by PedroIbarra went through the pads of Malaysian goalkeeper S. Kumar. But it was a difficult day for Pakistan, with the Asian championsfinishing in last place following their defeat to Britain. Previously, the Pakistanis lowest ever ranking had been sixth placein 2007, when there were eight teams in the competition. Pakistan coach K.M. Junaid said one of the key reasons for hisside's dismal performance was the inclusion of six juniors, who hadplayed in the Junior Asia Cup early May in Malaysia. "We now realise that it was asking too much from these youngsterswho could not cope with the demands of playing in back-to-backtournaments," he said. Britain coach Jason Lee said the team that played in thecompetition would be retained for the Olympics, except for twoplayers who would be left out. "It has been a good tournament for me as we had a variety ofopponents and I picked up a lot of pointers that will serve us wellthis summer," he said. Britain will play India for third place while Malaysia, the onlyteam in the tournament who have not qualified for the Olympics, andSouth Korea will battle for fifth position. All the matches will beplayed on Sunday. - AFP/fa. We are high quality suppliers, our products such as TR Suiting Fabric Manufacturer , Cotton Linen Blend Fabric Manufacturer for oversee buyer. To know more, please visits Printed Denim Fabric.
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