Pakistan came crashing down against Australia in a similar fashion to their humiliating defeat in the London Olympics last year. PHOTO: FILE AFP
After overcoming defending champions New Zealand 4-3 in their opening game, the greenshirts endured a sharp dip in performance as Australia thrashed them 6-0 in their second game.
However, despite the embarrassing loss, Rasool remained calm and said he was hopeful of the team’s resurgence in the remaining games.
“We lost to a team that was better than us in all departments,” Rasool told The Express Tribune from Ipoh.
“Australia dominated us throughout the match and outclassed us.
“We tested four new players in the game and the weather was also very hot and humid. The youngsters took a lot of pressure while playing against the Aussies and they also failed to cope with the weather.
“But these reasons are hardly acceptable and the team will have to make significant improvement in the remaining matches.”
Defenders, forwards disappoint management
Rasool said the scoreline could have been better had the forwards availed easy opportunities.
“We failed to score on open chances at least thrice against Australia. The strikers had missed chances against New Zealand as well.
“Our defence also struggled in these matches. The goalkeeper (Imran Butt) conceded goals which could have been blocked.”
However, the coach said he was undeterred by the defeat, saying the team would bounce back in the remaining three games.
“Despite the inexperience, our players have it in them to make a comeback. The event is still open. We have a good chance of advancing to the finals if we perform well against India, South Korea and Malaysia. We will work together on our mistakes and hopefully the team will return with an improved show.”
Pakistan will meet arch-rivals India in their next match tomorrow after a rest day today.
The 7-0 pummeling at the hands of Australia last year in the London Olympics was repeated in an almost identical fashion in yesterday’s 6-0 loss.
The game presented a seemingly stark mismatch between the two opponents as Australia took control right from the beginning.
The first session was a nightmare for Pakistan as they conceded four goals in the opening half and were already 3-0 down in the 17th minute.
Australia added two more goals in the final session to seal the 6-0 triumph with ease.
Jacob Whetton struck a brace while Daniel Mirecki, Matt Ghodes, Daniel Beale and Nicholas Budgeon scored a goal each.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2013.
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The coach said “We tested four new players in the game and the weather was also very hot and humid. The youngsters took a lot of pressure while playing against the Aussies and they also failed to cope with the weather." The weather was hot and humid which Pakistanis are never used to and Australians are? Warm weather must be ideal for Pakistani team not a disadvantage unless we all live on a hill-station. The fact is hockey has changed and only physically fit and technically sound teams can compete.