Imran, Abbas guide Pakistan past Argentina
Pakistan’s Muhammad Imran (L) scores against Argentina. -Photo by AFP
KARACHI: Pakistan recorded their first win in the hockey tournament at the London Olympics on Wednesday as they beat Argentina 2-0.
Mohammad Imran and captain Sohail Abbas scored as Pakistan swept past Argentina at the Riverbank Arena in London. Argentina, on the other hand, maintained a good rhythm but could not convert their chances into goals.
Imran gave the Greenshirts the lead in the first half as he scored from a penalty corner in the 29th minute which ensured that Pakistan ended the first half on top. The second half saw Abbas miss a chance after he failed to convert a penalty corner but the expert drag-flicker made up for that within minutes as he doubled Pakistan’s lead through another penalty corner in the 43rd minute.
Argentina saw two penalty corners taken by Pedro Ibarra and Manuel Brunet saved by Imran Shah as they failed to give a concrete response to Pakistan.
Pakistan held Spain to a 1-1 draw in their opening match at the Olympics and are now behind Australia who lead the standings and level with hosts Great Britain with four points but behind on goal difference.
The Greenshirts next play the hosts on Friday at 20:00 PST.
Statistics:
| Pakistan | Argentina | |
|---|---|---|
| 2/6 (33%) | Total Goals/Shots | 0/8 |
| 0/2 | Field Goal Goals/Shots | 0/4 |
| 2/4 | Penalty Corner Goals/Shots | 0/4 |
| 0/0 | Penalty Stroke Goals/Shots | 0/0 |
The forward line did not impress yesterday there were no coordinated moves and we gave away ball quite easily at times. even the passing was erratic. penalty corners saves us here.
Syd4U, I totaly agree with you. Even though Pakistan won the game by 2-0 , but I can give you in writing they have no chance against Britain , Netherland, Germany or even Korea. I am no expert of field hockey but just looking at the game they played against Argenina, I can tell obvious / basic flaws. Every player lacks the basic skill of stoping the ball cleanly and quickly. If you can not stop a hard hit and control it you have no chance thesedays.
Only a miracle will win them a medal in this Olympic.
Congratulations for what?
The job is not done yet.. Just 2 succes, GB and Australia are still to go.
Everyone hold your congratulation messages until we play next 2 games.
Good Luck …
Pakisan played a pretty lazy game, if this way they would be playing with Australians.. they would be smashed.. instead of 2-0 it should be 4-0 or 6-1.
remarkable and overwhelming!! keep your spirit with full conviction and try to fight with tooth and nail to immune your self.hope u will nail it .