KUANTAN, Malaysia: The world’s 13th ranked Pakistan defeated the 11th ranked South Korea 1-0 in the 4th Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament here in the Malaysian city of Kuantan on Friday.
The only goal of the exciting contest came in the last minute. The goal was scored by Haseem Khan on Pakistan’s fourth penalty corner of the match.
Instead of going direct, Aleem Bilal pushed the ball towards the left side of the goal and Haseem Khan dived to flick the ball in, to give Pakistan a well-deserved victory.
Unlike Thursday when they lost opener 2-4 to hosts Malaysia, Pakistan appeared a well composed outfit right from the outset. In a high-octane encounter they matched the Koreans in fitness throughout.
Although the 60-minute play saw just one goal, but there were plenty of thrills in the game which saw attacking play.
There were a lot of goal mouth action and both the net minders shone.
Korea could not make of their seven penalty corners though four of them came in succession.
Pakistani rushers Ejaz and Rizwan Senior through their fast sprints halted the opponents’ penalty corner strikes on the top of the circle taking them on stick or foot.
On a couple of occasions when the Koreans opted for indirect drill Pakistani defence was up to the task.
The Pakistan side displayed good team work and understanding.
They had more possession and made seven attempts on the goal of the 17-circle penetrations as compared to Korea’s five out of 13.
Sunday will see the most eagerly awaited encounter of the event as Pakistan will take on traditional rivals India.
Source : APP
