Two quick goals in the last six minutes gave Pakistan a crucial 2-1 win over Canada to take them a step closer to reaching the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament here yesterday.
Three-time champions Pakistan now have 10 points from three wins and a draw. They have two matches left – against Belgium tomorrow and India the next day.
Canada, who have three points from a win and two defeats, surprised Pakistan by taking the lead in the very first minute when a Sukhwinder Singh through pass from the top D was turned in by Kullar Bindi.
Pakistan threw men forward in search of goals but had to wait until the 64th minute for Rehan Butt to turn in Muhammad Saqlain’s cross from the left for the equaliser.
Three minutes later, Muhammad Saqlain netted the winner off a penalty corner set-piece.
In an earlier match, India fielded 12 juniors in their squad and were still too good for Beijing Olympic-bound Belgium, winning 6-4.
India have six points from four matches. As for Belgium, it was their third straight defeat.
Forward Shivendra Singh (9th, 68th minutes) and defender Sandeep Singh (29th, 35th) scored a brace each while Diwakar Ram (22nd) and S.V. Sunil (32nd) added the other goals for India.
Thomas Briels struck twice for Belgium in the 45th and 59th minutes while Alexandre De Sadeleer (24th) and Charles Vandeweghe (61st) chipped in with one each .
Thursday, May 15, 2008
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