LILLE, France: Pakistan took a giant stride towards confirming a place in Sunday’s final after taming hosts France 4-2 for their second consecutive win in the World Cup Qualifiers here at the Lille Metropole Hockey Club on Tuesday.
After back-to-back triumphs over Italy and Russia by identical 5-0 margins, Pakistan faced some resistance from the spirited French but a double strike from their drag flick ace Sohail Abbas made it sure that they remain unbeaten in this six-nation tournament.
Sohail struck in the 26th and 37th minutes to take his tally in the tournament to five goals but more importantly he made sure Pakistan remain right on course for a place in the final. Strikers Akhtar Ali and Rehan Butt were the other goal scorers for Pakistan, who enthralled a sizeable crowd at this posh club with some attacking hockey.
In fact, even the French who used to play very defensively were on the attack during the best part of the match, making it quite a treat to watch in spite of the chilly weather that has gripped northern France in recent days.
Pakistan drew first blood in the 8th minute when Akhtar Ali placed himself in a perfect position on the left flank to net the ball, beating the Henri Lhomme with a powerful hit to make it 1-0 for Pakistan.
It was against the run of play that the French earned three short corners in quick succession and finally made full use of the pressure that exerted on the Pakistani defence to make it 1-1 in the 23rd minute through Frederic Soyez.
Just three minutes later, it was Sohail Abbas who took Pakistan ahead with a high flick off his team’s third penalty corner.
The Pakistanis took complete control of the proceedings by making it 3-1 in the very first minute of the second session with the goal coming from Sohail again, this time with a powerful low push that was too good for the French defenders.
Pakistan continue to dominate the proceedings with free-flowing attacks and were rewarded for their persistence when experienced striker rehan Butt availed a perfect opportunity in the 55th minute to make it 4-1.
Just three minutes from the final whistle, France surprised Pakistan with a goal from Arnaud Becuwe that brought the crown to its feet. But Pakistan consolidated their defense and ensured that there were no surprises in the last few minutes to complete their third win in a row. They now play top rival Japan in the next league match on Thursday (tomorrow). A win in that match will ensure them a place in the final.
