LAHORE – Pakistan went down 4-0 against Netherlands on Thursday night in the opening match of the Hockey World League Semifinal Round at London’s Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
According to information received here, the world number four Netherlands displayed a relentless pace and scored a goal in each quarter against the 13th ranked Pakistan.
They completely dominated the first 15 minutes. In the 6th minute, a left side foray resulted in an attempt on the goal and off the rebound, Thierry Brinkman, the son of legendary Jacques Brinkman
put the ball in the cage.
Pakistan began the second quarter in a spectacular fashion and created three chances in the first five minutes. A Dilber attempt came off the post. The game evened out; up and down stuff was seen.
However, the Netherlands doubled the advantage in the 25th minute. Micro Pruijser standing close to the goal availed a wonderful diagonal pass from the left side.
The green shirts again enjoyed a good spell at the start of the third quarter. But first Ali Shan and then skipper Haseem could not make use of chances.
Later, the Netherlands wrested the initiative and their sustained aggression caused unforced errors by the Pakistan defence. They had three penalty corners in a quick succession. The last of which was converted in the 42nd minute when Mink van der Weerden’s strong flick on the fifth penalty corner found the top of the net.
The Dutch also had the better of the exchanges in the last 15 minutes. After wasting their sixth penalty corner, a delightful one touch move was finished well by Robert Kemperman to complete the tally. Pakistan will play their second against Canada at the same venue on Friday.
During the qualifying round, Pakistan will play three more matches. As many as ten teams are featuring in the qualifying round and five top teams will participate in the World Cup to be played in India next year.
Pakistan hockey team is playing its second match against Canada at the same venue on Friday (today).
During the qualifying round, Pakistan will play three more matches.
Ten teams are participating in the qualifying round and five top teams will participate in the World Cup to be played in India next year.
South Korea vs Argentina
In other matches played on Thursday Argentina scraped past South Korea 2-1. Argentina had to dig deep to overcome the fighting Koreans. It was their super star Gonzalo Peillat, world’s most fearsome penalty corner striker, who saw them through. Peillat put the South Americans ahead in the 26th minute. It stayed 1-0 at half time.
Korea’s equaliser came in the 46th minute through Lee Namyong’s field goal. Peillat converted another penalty corner in the 53rd minute for Argentina’s winning goal.
India vs Scotland
In another fixture India overwhelmed Scotland 4-1. Scots gave the Indians a scare; going 1-0 up in only the 6th minute. Skipper Chris Grassick scored in open play.
India had the better of play in the remaining period of the first half. They made circle penetrations and got chances but the goal eluded them and Scotland’s lead remained intact when the hooter
sounded.
The third quarter saw India completely dominating the proceedings. They scored four goals in a spell of 12 minutes. Ramandeep found the net twice. First, he found the far corner of the net with a superb backhander from the top left of the circle.
A few minutes later, he availed an excellent cut back from the goal line standing in front of the goal. An excellent ball from captain Manpreet Singh into the circle saw nimble footed Akashdeep make it 3-1 with a sublime reverse flick. The fourth goal arrived via India’s only penalty corner of the day as Harmanpreet Singh’s high and angular flick was unstoppable for the opponents. India slowed things down in the last quarter and mainly controlled the game with measured passes.
England vs China
England sailed past China 2-0 in another fixture. When England went two goals up in the first 11 minutes, it seemed China would be run over, but the Asians recovered well. Their superb fitness helped
them match the mighty English team for most of the time and there was no further score in the match.-APP/Agencies
