Pakistan’s dream start to the Champions Trophy turned into a nightmare as they fell 3-1 to the Netherlands in the opening match of the tournament.
Despite being the underdogs, Pakistan took it right up to the fancied Dutch outfit, scoring the opening goal of the Pool B match. But the Netherlands’ discipline and overall superiority shone through, scoring the last three goals of the game. Pakistan coach Akhtar Rasool said there was much to like about the team’s efforts given the inexperience among his players.
“I think both teams played well,” said Rasool. “Our midfield played much better but our forwards missed too many chances. I think we will improve in the next matches. My team is on the way up, we are building our team and developing a good team. This is a start and I hope in one year we will have a very good team.”
Pakistan did the majority of the early attacking, however they were unable to generate genuine shots on goal. Pakistan opened the scoring against the run of play with Muhammad Waqas finishing off after a series of shots on goal in the 17th minute. The Netherlands went on all-out attack and levelled with minutes remaining in the opening half. They proved why they are one of the best teams in the world by controlling the second half and scoring two more goals, including a second by de Wijn to seal a comfortable victory.
Netherlands coach Paul Van Ass said the result was pleasing as the Dutch enter a new era without veteran superstar Teun De Nooijer.
“The basic structure doesn’t depend anymore on De Nooijer,” said Van Ass. “We have more players who can make a difference, and that is good news.”
Australia down determined Belgium
Meanwhile, in the other Pool B match, hosts Australia were pushed by eighth-ranked Belgium but saw the match through with a 4-2 win. This was Belgium’s first ever Champions Trophy match.
Elsewhere, in Pool A, Olympic champions Germany held off New Zealand 3-2 and eleventh-ranked India, who have won only a bronze medal at the 2002 Champions Trophy in Amstelveen, came from behind to down fourth-ranked England 3-1.
The tournament continues today with Belgium playing Pakistan, England taking on Germany, the Netherlands facing off against Australia and New Zealand meeting India.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 2nd, 2012.
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