KARACHI, 28 October 2004 — Pakistan have been drawn against the world champions Germany on the opening day of the elite six-nation field hockey Champions Trophy to be played at the National Stadium in Lahore from Dec. 4 to 12.
In another opening day action, India, who replaced Olympic champions Australia in the tournament, will meet another European title-aspirants, Spain.
According to the schedule of the tournament released by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) yesterday, defending champions the Netherlands will play New Zealand in the inaugural match of the tournament.
It is the second time this year that Pakistan would play their opening match of a major event against the Germans. The green shirts lost against Germany in their first game of the Athens Olympics this August.
The Pakistanis, who under Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans would be looking forward to their first major international crown since winning the 1994 World Cup and Champions Trophy, will meet New Zealand in their second match of the competition. Pakistan defeated the New Zealanders 4-2 in the classification match for the fifth position in Athens.
Pakistan will next play former Olympic champions the Netherlands, a side whom they have failed to beat much in recent seasons. Their fourth match would be against traditional rivals India. Finally, their last league match will be against Spain. The Pakistanis would be looking to avenge their humiliating 0-4 loss against the Spaniards in Athens. The result dealt a blow to Pakistan’s hopes of winning an Olympic medal.
For the first time in the 27-year history of the Champions Trophy, Australia would not be taking part in the competition. The Aussie who won their first Olympic title in Athens withdrew from the tournament citing security fears.
Following is the schedule of matches:
Dec. 4: New Zealand vs. Netherlands, India vs. Spain, Pakistan vs. Germany; Dec. 5: The Netherlands vs. India, Germany vs. Spain, New Zealand vs. Pakistan; Dec. 6: Rest Day; Dec 7: Spain vs. New Zealand, Pakistan vs. The Netherlands, India vs. Germany; Dec. 8: The Netherlands vs. Spain, Germany vs. New Zealand, Pakistan vs. India; Dec. 9: Rest Day. Dec. 10: Spain vs. Pakistan, New Zealand vs. India, The Netherlands vs. Germany; Dec. 11: Rest Day; Dec. 12: For 5th vs. 6th position, 3rd vs. 4th position, and the final.
