Hockey World League: Pakistan fight back to draw against Malaysia

Greenshirts open campaign at Hockey World League with 4-4 scoreline.


Our Correspondent June 29, 2013
Shakeel Abbasi scored one of Pakistan’s four goals as the Greenshirts hit back from being 3-0 down to record a draw. Photo: FILE AFP

KARACHI:


Despite being 3-0 down before the end of the first-half, Pakistan were able to record a draw against Malaysia 4-4 as the Greenshirts began their campaign at the Hockey World League (HWL) 2013 in Johor Baru yesterday.


The hosts were off to a great start with Muhammad Razie converting a penalty corner early in the match before the Malaysian player completed his brace 10 minutes later.

Mohammad Jalil made it 3-0 as Pakistan looked down and out. However, Abdul Haseem Khan opened his team’s account five minutes before the half-time whistle.

After the break, Malaysia scored again, this time Tajudin Abdul Jalil getting in on the act. With 4-1 down, Pakistan were left with no choice but to attack and it paid off with Mohammad Touseeq converting a penalty corner soon enough.

Shakeel Abbasi found the opening in the 56th minute on a penalty stroke before captain Muhammad Imran levelled five minutes before full-time.

The tournament is also serving as a qualifying round for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men’s World Cup 2014 in the Netherlands. The top three teams at the HWL confirm their berth for the World Cup next year.

Before the team’s departure, Pakistan hockey coach Akhtar Rasool had termed the Malaysian encounter as an important one.

“Malaysia are our toughest competitors in the group and opening against them will be tough,” Rasool had said. “I’m confident that the team can qualify for the World Cup at this event only, but Malaysia are a very dangerous side. But I know my team can perform well under-pressure.”

Pakistan play their second match at the HWL against England today.

Meanwhile, in other results, Germany played out a draw against Argentina 1-1, while Japan drew against Korea 3-3 in their opening Pool A matches.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2013.

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COMMENTS (1)

arham Khan | 10 years ago | Reply

kep the fighting for RSA and win the match and qualified the world hockey semi final and lost to match so kindly all team members with management resign for national team.

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