ATHENS, 10 August 2004 — Pakistan’s last Olympic clash against Korea ended in a 0-1 disaster four years back in Sydney. They meet the Asian champions again today ready to unleash all their firepower to ensure the result is reversed this time.
“We are ready for the game against the Koreans and will go all out for full points,” said Pakistan’s assistant coach Tahir Zaman. Pakistan go into the match fully aware that a defeat or even a draw might derail them in their hunt for a semifinal berth.
Pakistan are aware that the speedy Koreans are no pushovers. The Pakistanis have not lost against the Koreans in recent international competitions but when it comes to the Olympics, Korea has a flair for the inexplicable.
The two countries have met twice in the Olympics in the past and both the times, the Koreans have won.
Pakistan’s management is wary of Korea’s strength when it comes to counter attacks but say they have their own strategy to counter it. “Korea’s counter attacks can be very dangerous,”
said Tahir Zaman. “But we are fully prepared for it. If you allow the Koreans to come and attack you, they can be lethal. We are going to go for an early lead to bring them under pressure.”
