Pakistan were off to an unconvincing start in their month-long tour of Europe after going down 4-2 against France in the UCD Four-Nation Hockey Tournament in Dublin.
The Asian Games champions were dominated by the French, who through their aggressive strategy kept Pakistan under pressure throughout the first-half and led 2-0 at the breather.
France took a 3-0 lead in the second-half before Pakistan hit back by scoring two goals in the last 13 minutes.
But the goals, which came from Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Tauseeq, were not enough to save the Greenshirts. Pakistan now play their second match against China today.
During their Europe sojourn, which has been dubbed as an important tour for London Olympics’ preparations, the national team will play another four-nation event in the Netherlands besides playing matches against various countries.
Junior team meets Singapore today
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s young brigade will play hosts Singapore in their third match of the Junior Asia Cup Hockey Tournament today.
The defending champions have so far looked in brilliant form thrashing Brunei 18-0 and Chinese Taipei 17-0 in their first two matches.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 22nd, 2011.
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