Pakistan will take on the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy tomorrow – the Greenshirts’ first appearance in an FIH last-four after eight years – after a Shakeel Abbasi brace helped them upset Olympic champions Germany in their quarter-final yesterday.
Pakistan’s shock win also confirmed its presence in the next edition of the event and a win tomorrow will mean a place in the final of a hockey tournament for the first time since the 2011 Azlan Shah Cup where it lost to Australia. Pakistan’s last silverware on the Astroturf was the 2010 Asian Games gold.
Meanwhile, in Melbourne, Germany opened the scoring through skipper Moritz Fuerste. But Pakistan played well throughout the first half and were unlucky not to draw level after many scoring chances. Abbasi truck his first goal in the 39th minute to draw his team level before adding a second 11 minutes later. After missing several scoring opportunities in both halves, Abbasi was relieved to have finally converted in such a key match.
“I missed many chances in the previous matches but thankfully I was able to deliver in this crucial match,” he told The Express Tribune after Pakistan’s win. “It’s been a long time since I Played a big part in Pakistan’s win and am very satisfied with the show. Hopefully, I’ll be able to deliver in the semi-final tomorrow as well and will try and avail every opportunity to ensure the team reaches the final.”
Pakistan captain Mohammad Imran was ecstatic after the team’s win, terming it a moment he had been waiting for a long time.
“Reaching the semi-finals is a huge achievement for the team and every single player deserves credit for the way we played,” said Imran. “Abbasi deserves special mention as he put in the most effort. Taking on the Netherlands will be tough but we’ll try and overcome the weaknesses on show in the match against Germany and try and not repeat those tomorrow.”
The Netherlands progressed to the final four after easily disposing of New Zealand 2-0.
Holders Australia face India in semis
India, chasing their first Trophy medal for 30 years, edged out Belgium 1-0, and will face Australia before a capacity home crowd after the reigning champions got the better of England 2-0.
Unlike their other wins at the tournament, India’s win over Belgium was hard fought, with Indian coach Michael Nobbs praising his team’s defence.
“It’s an amazing feeling, they have worked really hard, I didn’t think we played that well today but our defence was amazing,” said Nobbs. “It’s something I haven’t seen from an Indian defence in years, but I thought they played their hearts out.” (With additional input from AFP)
Abbasi
“I missed many chances in the previous matches but thankfully I was able to deliver this time. It’s been a long time since I played a big part in Pakistan’s win and am very satisfied with the show.”
Imran
“Reaching the semi-finals is a huge achievement and every single player deserves credit for the way we played. Taking on the Netherlands will be tough but we’ll try and overcome our weaknesses.”
Nobbs
“It’s an amazing feeling. I didn’t think we played that well but our defence was amazing. It’s something I haven’t seen from an Indian defence in years, but I thought they played their hearts out.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 7th, 2012.
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3 For Dutch and 1 for Pak until now the half time. So much entertaining match. Love to see real action
Hockey players have fire in their hearts and water in their veins,
This show our players are working hard among all world hockey teams.
Cant wait to see again real action against DUtchLand. That action is real and much better excitement than to any any action movie
The highest compliment that you can pay for our 11 man is to say that they work hard every day, that they never dog it...
@Faisal: you say "Well, it seems Pakistan and India will clash for third position………….." why....????? are you an octopus.........?? by the way you look to be a pessimist......remember Sir Winston Churchill once siad..
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
hope for the best.......we can win if we play to our potential...
Well, it seems Pakistan and India will clash for third position..............
With the Grace of ALLAH AlMIGHTY, we are very thankful of him, who cruises us to the semi-final.
Pakistan hockey team go for gold. INSHAALLAHTAHALA.
Go Green. Go Pakistan Hockey team.
I think the thing you always got to keep in mind, you know, hockey is a game of one-on-one battles. Pakistan national sport is Hockey! We all feel proud to see our Heros striking against opponent in hockey fields.
Hockey the real man game, Pak did wonderful against Germans, I feel it's necessary to say: "It's a great day for hockey". Mr Abbasi no match of you,you are so comfortable in field against German Defence. Love to see you in such a real action, which is 100 time better than any Hollywood movie I remember.
Pakistan played very well against Germany. Abbasi is Pakistan s hero we all proud on him. He did wonderful against Germany. As hockey is most beautiful and I love hockey, and I don't love it for any other reason than when I get out there and play, I enjoy it. Hockey is the original extreme sport. My son, he is the reason I got involved. It's been a joy to be around him and teach him the stuff that I know, and to the other kids as well. When he started playing I wanted to be involved in his hockey career. It's a lot of fun for both of us. If Pak win this tropy this will great boost for Pakistan Hockey.