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coshop
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Join Date: Apr 26th, 2011 |
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Location: Islamabad |
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Posts: 48 |
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KARACHI: Buoyed up a morale-boosting 3-1 triumph over India on Wednesday, Pakistan are now eyeing a big win over hosts Malaysia on Saturday to book a date with world champions Australia in Sunday’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final in Ipoh, Malaysia.
Pakistan ended their losing spree against the Indians by rallying to a much-needed win to take their tally to nine points from five matches. The Greenshirts are now placed on the third spot behind Australia and Great Britain. The Aussies have already qualified for the finale with 13 points from five games. Britain, like Pakistan, have nine points from five matches but are placed on the second spot because of a better goal average. They will play their final round-robin match against Korea on Saturday (tomorrow).
If Britain manage a win against the Koreans, then Pakistan will have to beat Malaysia by a comprehensive margin to secure a place in Sunday’s title match.
Pakistan, who won the Azlan Shah Cup on three occasions in 1999, 2000 and 2003, are confident that they can do it.
“We have a good team and the boys are in the right frame of mind, especially after the win against India,” Shahid Ali Khan, Pakistan’s assistant coach, told ‘The News’ from Ipoh on Thursday.
Malaysia have lost all their four matches and appear to be an easy target as two of their leading players including seasoned defender Nur Mohd Mazli have been ruled out of the Pakistan clash because of injuries.
“Malaysia have hit rock bottom in this tournament,” said Shahid, who was Pakistan’s coach at last year’s World Cup. “They aren’t playing really well which is good for us but even then our boys won’t be complacent and will go all out for full points against them,” he added.
Pakistan, who regained the Asian Games title in China in 2010 after 20 years, began the tournament with a bang by beating New Zealand and Korea by identical (4-2) margins. But they faltered against Britain to suffer a 2-3 loss and were then thrashed by Australia 5-1.
“We squandered too many chances against Britain and then conceded several soft goals against Australia,” said Shahid. “But we are in a rebuilding process ahead of next year’s Olympic Games and the boys are learning fast which is a great sign for Pakistan hockey,” stressed the former Olympian.
Shahid said that Pakistan will go all out for the Azlan Shah title to give a much-needed boost to their Olympic preparations. “Titles are always very helpful especially for a young side because they give you a lot of confidence,” he said.
The good news for Pakistan ahead of the crucial game against Malaysia is that unlike the hosts, all their 18 players are fully fit for tomorrow’s match.
“We played four day games in a row but the two-day rest after the match against India came just at the right time. The boys have made the most of it and will take the field against Malaysia fully refreshed,” said Shahid.
Shahid, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated goalkeepers, said that he has great expectations from the team’s young goalie — Imran Shah.
“He (Imran) is a talented boy and I’m hopeful that he will continue to improve.”
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