Pakistan beat Scotland but fate hangs in the balance

KARACHI: Pakistan won their last pool match of the Hockey World League Semi-final Round against Scotland 3-1 at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Monday.

Pakistan’s entrance to the quarter-finals depends upon the result of the match between Scotland and Canada which will take place on Tuesday (today).

Pakistan had lost their first three matches. If Scotland win, they go through because of a better goal difference. In the event of a draw or Scotland’s defeat, Pakistan will play the quarter-finals.

Pakistan started extremely well. Within the first five minutes, two excellent chances came their way. Rizwan Jr and Umar Bhutta were the offenders.

They remained the better side almost throughout the first quarter. However, against the run of play Scotland went ahead. Wel Adams flicked in after a good short passing move from the right. 

The Green-shirts had an opportunity to bring it level in the 15th minute, but Aleem Bilal’s PC attempt missed the target.

The Scots were definitely the better side in the second quarter. They had at least three open play tries and one PC but the Pakistani defence stood well.

At the half time, Scotland led by one goal as they had done in their match against India.

The early minutes of the second half also saw Scotland in ascendancy. One attempt went above the bar and another was well saved by the custodian Amjad.

But in the 34th minute, Pakistan equalised on a turnover. Irfan Junior received a superb ball in the circle. His first time hit found the target. 

In the 42nd minute, Pakistan went into the lead for the first time in the tournament. Bhutta’s brilliance earned them a PC. They went for an indirect drill. Abu Bakr’s angular push from the top was tapped in by Arslan Qadir from a close range standing near the left pole.

One minute into the last quarter, Pakistan had their third PC. Aleem’s strong angular push beat the goalkeeper all ends up. Pakistan slowed the tempo while Scots went on the offensive. A Scotland PC went into the goal but it was fouled for the height.  They had another PC in the last minute but good rush thwarted the danger for Pakistan.