Argentina beat Pakistan 3-1 in quarter-final

Green-shirts can still qualify for World Cup 2018

KARACHI: Argentina beat Pakistan 3-1 in the quarter-final of the Hockey World League Semi-final Round which serves as the qualification phase for the World Cup 2018 at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. 

Argentina, World No 1, dominated the match for large phases. Their most potent weapon Gonzalo Pelliat was a little off colour. He converted only one out of the eight penalty corners. Pakistani net minder Amjad’s brilliance also denied him on a few occasions.

Though there was no score in the first 15 minutes, it was all Argentina, who had three penalty corners. Pakistan failed to make a single circle penetration.

In the second quarter, after Argentina wasted another PC, Pakistan had a good attacking spree. Two PCs were obtained but the Green-shirts could not make them count. 

Soon, Amjad thwarted another PC. However, in the 22nd minute after Amjad had made an outstanding save off a top-of-the-circle attempt, a rash stick challenge by Aleem Bilal resulted in a penalty stroke. Maico Casella cashed in on it.

The South Americans held the upper hand throughout the third quarter. Off the sixth PC, finally the maestro scored. It was a missile of a flick by Pelliat. 

In the 44th minute, it was 3-0. A wonderful reverse stick pass from left of the circle by Ortiz was easily slotted in at the far post by Casella, standing unmarked close to the goal. 

The last quarter was perhaps the most evenly contested. Off the third PC, Abubakr’s well placed flick was brilliantly stopped by the defender on the line. However, off the rebound, the ball remained in the Argentine circle for a while. Finally Ali Shan’s forceful reverse shot sounded the board for Pakistan’s only goal.

Argentina’s eighth PC saw the save of the match. An air-borne Amjad Ali put the full blooded Pelliat attempt out with the edge of his stick held well above the head in fully stretched right arm. 

Pakistan will appear in the 5-8 positions play offs, starting from Saturday (tomorrow).

Pakistan still have chance to qualify for the World Cup. Sources in PHF said that five teams would qualify from two qualifying rounds which are being played in England and South Africa, while five continental champions would get direct qualification.

The teams ending sixth or even seventh may also qualify because the Indians qualify as the hosts and Argentina as the continental champions.

The sources said that Pakistan might play against China and Canada. They will have to win at least one of the two matches. Things will become clear when India’s position is decided.