India

India suffered a 1-2 defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in their crucial league match in the Champions Trophy hockey tournament here today.
Scores: India: 1 - Sandeep Singh (58th) Pakistan: 2 - Saqlain Muhammad (32nd) and Sohail Abbas (67th).

The loss seriously affected India's chances of playing for the 3-4 places as Pakistan took themselves a step closer for a berth in the final. Pakistan played better in the first half as they tested the Indian defence a number of times. The Indians, though made a few inroads but never got a chance to probe Salman Akbar as most of the moves fizzled out inside the circle or just outside it.

Rehan Butt, struggling to get back into his goal scoring form, was the first to have a go at the Indian post as early as in the sixth minute but his reverse flick went over bar much to the disappointment of the home supporters.

Backed by thousands in the stands, the Pakistanis made further moves - most of them led by winger Shabbir Ahmed from the left, but they failed to capitalise on them mainly due to some good show by goalkeeper D'Souza, defender Dilip Tirkey and a few poor finishing.

Pakistan, who had paid through their nose in the match against Holland yesterday for squandering a number of scoring opportunities, failed to make much amends with Rehan Butt and Shabbir Ahmed being the main culprit.

With the large crowd, probably the biggest in the competition so far, getting restless with Pakistan failing time and again to take the lead, Saqlain Muhammed slammed home.

Exploiting a little space inside the Indian circle, Saqlain, who got a cross from the right, slammed home as the crowd erupted to celebrate the first goal by th home side. PTI

Rate This Article

Select Here  5 Stars  (Best Rating)   4 Stars   3 Stars   2 Stars   1 Star  (Worst Rating)

Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.