Last match of the day promised to be exciting, as always when India and Pakistan meet in international hockey. The two neighbours have been giants of the hockey scene for the longest time and their classic rivalry always attracts big crowds, whether at senior or junior level, for a final or a 9th place as tonight.
Both teams were eager to get into action and the flag waving crowd was roaring in anticipation. The Indians, sporting their new bright yellow kit, rushed forward from the opening whistle. They created a few chances but, as too often in this competition, were too hasty in trying to conclude.
They were surprised in the 7th minute when Pakistani Muhammad Dilber received the ball behind their defense and calmly passed it to Rizwan Ali left totally unmarked in the middle of the circle for an easy push in goal. India tried to come back quickly but, encouraged by the crowd, were pushing their runs a tad too far, making it difficult for themselves to deliver useful passes. Pakistani goal-keeper Mazhar Abbas handled well some hot situations and Pakistan weathered the Indian storm calmly, dashing forward in bold counter-attacks each time they had an opening.
India were close, even very close, on multiple occasions but could not manage to slot one in goal and Pakistan were still holding their fragile one-goal lead going into the break. The same pattern of play continued in second period, with India persisting in trying to penetrate the well regrouped Pakistani defense with individual runs.
They had to rely on playing to the foot of a defender to earn a penalty-corner, but Gurjinder Singh’s high flick was calmly deflected by Mazhar Abbas. The Pakistani players were on par with the Indians for individual skills, but playing more collectively, connecting well with each other in defense and in attack. The Indians players were inconsistent, displaying great skills to undress defenders but then sending their next pass astray.
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