KARACHI: Pakistan were on Thursday eyeing Britain’s scalp after giving their bid for an Olympic semifinal spot a big boost with a 2-0 triumph over Pool A rivals Argentina at the Riverbank Arena in London.
Two short corner goals from Muhammad Imran and skipper Sohail Abbas within a span of 14 minutes on Thursday night have put Pakistan in contention for a last-four spot at London 2012 and the Green-shirts are now looking to consolidate their position with a win over Great Britain.
With four points from two games, a win over Britain today will place Pakistan within striking distance of an Olympic semifinal spot, a feat which the three-time former champions haven’t achieved since Sydney 2000.
“Tomorrow’s game against Britain is our most important match of the tournament so far,” said Khawaja Junaid, Pakistan’s coach. “If we win it then our chances of qualifying for the semifinals will get a huge boost,” he added.
A win over Britain will take Pakistan to the second place in Pool A, just behind world number ones Australia. The Pakistanis will just have to beat South Africa – the lowest-ranked team in their group – on Sunday to virtually secure their place in the last four.
After beginning London 2012 hockey event with a bang Britain look shaky as they survived a scare on Thursday against the South Africans. At one stage, South Africa were 2-1 up and threatening to record an upset win before Ashley Jackson’s equaliser saved the hosts. The match ended at 2-2.
Now, both Pakistan and Britain have four points apiece but the hosts are placed at the second spot with a goal difference of +3. Pakistan, who held Spain to a 1-1 draw in their opening match, have a goal difference of +2.
Pakistan see today’s game against Britain as a do or die clash. “We just needed three points against Argentina. It doesn’t matter if it’s with a two goal difference or one goal. We are now together with Great Britain who we play next. I think for Pakistan and for Great Britain, we have the same feelings because there’s a do or die match for the second place,” said Rehan Butt, Pakistan’s senior striker.
Butt, a former Pakistan captain who scored a vital goal against Spain, said that his team was playing with a plan.
“We are just focusing on our defence so that we do not concede early goals. Forcing the attack, it’s not good for our team. We are just playing a normal game.”
“We try to win short corners and maybe one or two tries. We are not focusing on every time attack, attack, attack we are just focusing on the plan.”
Britain will begin today’s match as favourites as they enjoy a better ranking as well as the home advantage but Pakistan are confident of a positive result.
Sohail Abbas stressed that his team is playing like a unit, which is the reason why it has so far proved its critics wrong. “Our biggest strength is our unity,” said the Pakistan captain. “That’s the biggest reason why there is no pressure on us before such a big game against the hosts.”
Junaid, meanwhile, made it clear that neither of the two teams was favourite to win today’s match. “I believe it’s an even contest,” he said. “While they have the home advantage, we are buoyed by the fact that our boys are high on motivation and are playing focussed hockey.”
Junaid said that Pakistan would be playing for full victory points in a bid to improve their chances of making the cut for the semifinals. “We have our sights on the semis which is why winning against Britain is really important for us.” The match against Britain will begin at 8.00 pm (PST).
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