Pakistan’s performance was reminiscent of the bygone days when the hockey team was among the best. PHOTO: FIH
KARACHI: After drawing two back-to-back games, Pakistan raised their standards to outwit South Africa 6-2 to finish atop Group B, as the Hockey World League (HWL) entered the knock-out stages in Johor, Malaysia yesterday.
A remarkable hat-trick by striker Haseem Khan along with Mohammad Zubair’s brace were the main contributions for the Greenshirts who overcame group mates England on goal-difference. Both sides finished with five points each from a win and a couple of drawn matches. Hosts Malaysia finished third while South Africa finished bottom in the group.
Pakistan will now take on South Korea who finished last in Group A with just a single point. Argentina topped the group, followed by Germany and Japan respectively with the quarter-finals lined up for tomorrow.
Pakistan dominate Proteas
The Mohammad Imran-led side showed their intentions to top the group right from the beginning with an aggressive start after defying an instant attack from the opposition.
The team then scored the opener in the 13th minute when Mohammad Zubair found the top left corner of the goal with a clinical backhand shot.
Soon after gaining the lead, Pakistan made another attack to earn a penalty corner with experienced Shafqat Rasool increasing the scoreline to 2-0.
South Africa opened their account through Wade Paton, but Haseem instantly scored his first goal through a deflection on a penalty-corner attempt. The score remained 3-1 in the first-half.
In the final session, the Greenshirts once again displayed an energetic show as they scored another three goals while conceding only one goal.
Haseem got his second goal soon after the second-half commenced, hitting the target from close range.
South Africa came close to scoring, but goal-keeper Imran Shah made some commendable saves to retain the 4-1 lead. Haseem further extended the lead and completed his hat-trick, showing precision on a diving deflection.
With six minutes remaining, Zubair achieved his brace as he made no mistake on a touch from a fine pass from veteran Shakeel Abbasi.
However, the Proteas got a late consolation with moments left in the final hooter as the Greenshirts walked away with impressive win.
Coach delighted with strikers’ show
Pakistan coach Hanif Khan was glad with the victory, showering praise on the forward line.
“This is what we were waiting for since months,” Hanif told The Express Tribune from Johor.
“Today our strikers finally lived up to their potential by converting maximum chances. They have been playing well to create chances but proper execution was missing.
“Our forward line was up to the mark in this game and if it retains the momentum, we can beat even top teams like Germany,” said the coach, before expressing satisfaction on the overall performance.
“The team is in rhythm as our defence and midfield is also showing a lot of responsibility. The performance of both our goal-keepers has also been impressive.”
The former Olympian was confident of the team’s chances to advance further as they take on South Korea tomorrow in the quarter-finals.
“The team is highly confident after finishing on top of the group and we look to raise our game further. We are only targeting the victory stand at this stage.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 3rd, 2013.
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Hardhearted Pakistani cricket-crazy nation have no time to appreciate the remarkable victory of their Hockey team.
GO green shirts, since u r hockey players don't expect much praise from Pakistani's . . , . , ,
a slight mistake in the article, the keeper for this game was not Imran shah, it was imran butt. it was a nice read, just like watching Pakistan play wonderfully today.