Pakistan begin Asia Cup campaign with 7-0 hammering of Japan

[Edevelop]

Pakistan began their quest to earn that one elusive spot for the 2014 World Cup with a 7-0 hammering of Japan on the opening day of the 9th Asia Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia, which got underway today.

Muhammad Imran’s men, who must win the title to earn a berth at next year’s World Cup in the Netherlands, started in rollicking fashion through a Muhammad Waqas double in the 11th and 20th minute of the match. Star forward Abdul Haseem Khan then got on the board in the 22nd before Muhammad Tousiq’s brace and another by Imran gave the Greenshirts a commanding 6-0 lead going into half-time.

Japan came out with a clear plan and much more intent in the second half and brilliantly kept the quick and skillful Pakistani forwards at bay and also made some offensive inroads.

However, they had a mountain to climb and the solid Pakistan side kept their shape to deny their opponents any goals. Skipper Imran sealed the thumping victory for Pakistan at the final buzzer from a penalty corner.

In the day's other mathces, India thumped minnows Oman 8-0 while hosts Malaysia beat Taiwan 10-2.


Pakistan begin Asia Cup campaign with 7-0 hammering of Japan - DAWN.COM

 

[A1Kaid]

Solid performance someone post the recorded video of the game if you find the link.

 

[Marshmallow]

Pakistan began their quest to earn that one elusive spot for the 2014 World Cup with a 7-0 hammering of Japan on the opening day of the 9th Asia Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia, which got underway today.

Muhammad Imran’s men, who must win the title to earn a berth at next year’s World Cup in the Netherlands, started in rollicking fashion through a Muhammad Waqas double in the 11th and 20th minute of the match. Star forward Abdul Haseem Khan then got on the board in the 22nd before Muhammad Tousiq’s brace and another by Imran gave the Greenshirts a commanding 6-0 lead going into half-time.

Japan came out with a clear plan and much more intent in the second half and brilliantly kept the quick and skillful Pakistani forwards at bay and also made some offensive inroads.

However, they had a mountain to climb and the solid Pakistan side kept their shape to deny their opponents any goals. Skipper Imran sealed the thumping victory for Pakistan at the final buzzer from a penalty corner.

In the day's other mathces, India thumped minnows Oman 8-0 while hosts Malaysia beat Taiwan 10-2.


Pakistan begin Asia Cup campaign with 7-0 hammering of Japan - DAWN.COM

good we shud promote hockey equally like cricket

 

[Kompromat]

Great - go green shirts

 

[Hemlock Khalid]

excellent start... inshAllah we will win the cup... best wishes for Green shirts

 

[krash]

Pakistan impress in 4-1 win over Malaysia

Pakistan made sure their 7-0 thrashing of Japan wasn't just a flash in the pan as they defeated hosts Malaysia 4-1 on the second day of the Asia Cup.

Muhammad Imran's men, who are up against the wall and must win the title to earn a berth in next year's World Cup, produced a scintillating performance to down an opponent who have a tendency of raising their game when they play at home.

The two sides started in tentative fashion after their first day fireworks, albeit against much lesser opponents, but it was Pakistan who came close to scoring in the early skirmishes. Three missed opportunities later, however, Malaysia drew first blood through Muhammad Abdul Razie's penalty corner in the 26th minute of the game.

Buoyed by the effort, the home side came close to scoring yet again in the 30th minute, however, that passage of play finally put Pakistan in their stride and Shakeel Abbasi's run down the left flank was neatly finished off by Muhammad Zubair in the 33rd minute.

Pakistan came out even stronger in the second half and it paid immediate dividends. Shafqat Rasool's brilliant stick work left the Malaysian defence in their tracks as the young striker set up an easy goal for Muhammad Dilber, who tapped in the attempt in the 45th to give his side the lead.

Goals from Muhammad Waqas (61st) and Shafqat (67th) shut the hosts out of the match and gave Pakistan the top position in Group A with all 6 points from two matches.

Pakistan next play Chinese Taipei on Tuesday, while Malaysia will be up against Japan on the same day.

Pakistan impress in 4-1 win over Malaysia - DAWN.COM


@Aeronaut, can this be made into an Asia Cup thread instead of just for the first match?