Sultan of Johor Cup: Pakistan fail to finish on podium

Colts outplayed by Argentina in third-place play-off as India claim title.

KARACHI: Pakistan failed to win the bronze medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup after being outplayed by Argentina 3-0 in a penalty shoot out during the third-place play-off game yesterday in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Just a day after defeating the same opponents comfortably 4-1, Pakistan looked off-colour with an ordinary display to finish fourth in the event.

The regulation time that witnessed dull proceedings failed to yield a goal from either side, forcing a shoot out to determine the bronze medallists.

Pakistan, however, created some chances in the beginning with Mohammad Dilber coming close to score in the 11th minute, but his shot was valiantly blocked by Argentina goalkeeper Tomas Matias.

Argentina soon launched a counter attack, bringing momentum in the contest but failed to break the deadlock as the stalemate continued.

With no penalty-corner earned in the opening session, Pakistan won their first chance in the 45th minute, but Mohammad Tousiq was off target.

Argentina came very close to taking the lead with just eight minutes remaining, but Carlos Ibarra wasted the penalty stroke with a weak attempt that hit Pakistan goalkeeper Amin Yousaf’s pads.

However, Argentina excelled in the penalty shootout, scoring three goals next to Pakistan’s nil scoresheet.

Meanwhile, India triumphed over Malaysia 3-0 in the final to clinch the title.

The hosts, who enjoyed a comfortable ride to the final, missed the spark proving themselves a mismatch for India in the epic battle.

Amon Mirash Tirkey, Affan Yusof and captain Manprret were the goal scorers.

In the fifth-sixth position match, South Korea hammered England 6-0.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2013.

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