GNIEZNO: An inconsistent Malaysia failed to reach the semi-finals of hockey's Nations Cup in Gniezno, Poland.
Though world No. 13 Malaysia beat Canada 4-2 on Wednesday, it did the Speedy Tigers little good at all.
Malaysia ended up third in Group B after scoring nine goals and conceding nine in three matches.
Sarjit Singh's men were also temperamental against Canada, leading to them getting four yellow and four green cards.
France edged Pakistan 6-5 on Wednesday to top Group B with maximum points from three matches. Pakistan and Malaysia were tied with four points each, but the Green Shirts finished second on goal difference to qualify for the last four.
New Zealand, who are preparing for next month's Paris Olympics, qualified for the semi-finals by winning all four matches in Group A.
Sarjit said Malaysia started well against Canada by taking a 3-0 lead, and should have tried to score five more goals (needed to qualify for the semi-finals) in the last two quarters instead of losing their composure.
"In the last two quarters they lost focus and got booked. We basically played the last 33 minutes with a man short, and at one stage of the match, we were down to nine men."