Pakistan, Australia clash in 2nd round tie today: Tri-nation Hockey
NOTTINGHAM, June 9: Pakistan will be trying to give a better performance when they clash Australia in the second round of tri-nation hockey tournament at High fields Hockey Centre on Thursday.
While Pakistan will be taking Australia with a psychological advantage after a 2-1 victory in the opener, Aussies will be looking for a revenge. Pakistani forwards have been disappointing so far and it is time to show real firepower. Tariq Aziz has been successful and scored the match-winner in his side's win against Australia following which Pakistan were shocked 3-2 by Britain.
Apart from an unimpressive forward-line, team's defence is yet to show its worth. Pakistan coach Roelant Oltmans have adopted different style and fielded three forwards instead of five which is the usual Asian style. The idea is to launch solid counter-attacks.
Pakistan goalkeeper Ahmad Alam and veteran forward Mohammad Sarwar are among 20-member squad but are yet to utilised. The team had training sessions in the morning and is expected to have light workout in the afternoon before watching Australia and Britain in action in second round which will be played at 11.30pm Pakistan Standard Time. -APP