Pakistan lose to India 2-1 in Azlan Shah Cup
India Sarvanjit Singh (L) and Pakistan’s Abdul Haseem Khan collide during their match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. -Photo by AFP
IPOH: New Zealand booked their first ever appearance in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with a crushing 4-1 win over hosts Malaysia, while India defeated rivals Pakistan 2-1.
The Kiwis had the game all but sewn up by half-time, racing to a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Ryan Archibald, Shea McAleese and Nick Wilson.
The Malaysians pulled a goal back through Hafifi Hafiz Hanafi in the 45th minute to give them a glimmer of hope but the match was eventually put beyond their reach with a Shay Neal goal to make it 4-1.
Malaysia’s defeat mean they cannot qualify for the final as they are four points behind second place Argentina who they meet in the final round.
The South Americans will be vying to add to their nine points to secure the right to play New Zealand, who have previously never made it further than third place, in the tournament which is an important warm-up for the London Olympics.
Former champions India defeated Asian Games winners and arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 but their chances to reach the final have virtually gone with only one more day of preliminary round matches on Saturday.
India’s win over Pakistan was their 50th in 152 meetings and was a morale booster with Pakistan, last year’s runners-up, facing their worst performance ever in the cup as they have fallen to the bottom of the table.
Pakistan team manager Akhtar Rasool said it was not his side’s day.
“India was fortunate to score in the final minute, and it was a momentary lapse in concentration that cost us dearly,” he said.
“We have always maintained that we are here to learn and correct our mistakes ahead of the Olympics… We just have to be patient.”
There was no fancy play by either side in the match played under a steady drizzle. Sandeep Singh gave India the lead when they were awarded a penalty corner in the 31st minute.
Pakistan dominated the start of second half but their finishing was woefully off for the most part until they equalised in the 61st minute when Sohail Abbas sent a low drag flick into the goal.
But just as the match was heading for a draw, Sunil Sowmarpet scored in the 69th minute, giving India a crucial win.
“We deserve the win based on our performance and discipline in defence,”Indian coach Michael Nobbs said. “The timely tackles and tactical discipline helped us through this match.”
Earlier, favourites Britain were held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea.
South Korea opened the scoring through Yoon Sung-Hoon. But a goal by Jonty Clarke in the 50th minute followed.
Britain have eight points, and they play Pakistan Saturday, while South Korea with five points will meet New Zealand ahead of the final Sunday.
India have nine points and have no more fixtures.
Bharat Chhetri,captain of Indian hockey team, with his team won crucial match against Pakistan in Azlan Shah cup 2012..FYI..Bharat Chhetri(not brother of Sunil Chhetri who leads Indian Football team as captain) is from Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling dist,WB..proud of local NEPALI boy..I am very happy that we beat Pakistan..our arch rival..
Will the PHF take notice and include the players they're busy scamming!
Pakistani Players look starved for months, they have no energy and lethargic.; but their manager look obese and well fed. Good luck in olympic. I will still watch your game.
Let me ask you a question.Do you know that hockey will now be played on a new pitch called the blue pitch that is more bumpy and slippery compared to the old.The ball behaves differently.Do you have one?Have your boys ever practiced on one?If you cannot provide the infrastructure do not blame the players.
Well done India! If Pakistan are out then i stand behind India to go all the way! Coooome On Inidaaaaaa!
I think india won this match because they never gave up, michale nobbs is doing a good job..the way sunil dived and scored the goal was incredible..indian team looked more fitter than pakistani counterpart, this is the change that i have observed..but still india and pakistan play the old style hockey..thats sad..happy dat india won!!
To all and every gentleman
We have to shake off this mindset of deriving sadistic pleasure and satisfaction of the feeling to have defeated our rivals only in India and Pakistan. What is the extra pleasure a few derive of this situation? We both the countries have to consider the whole world as a rival in that particular stream of sport and stop thinking of having won the world after either of us has defeated the other. The earlier, the better. We should follow at least the basic principle of a game.
BNA
Happy that India Won. Pakistan played well too.