Pakistan defeat South Korea 3-2 to get top position on points-chart – Hockey Update
After losing a game in the hands of Japan, the Greenshirts flexed their muscles and edged out South Korea 3-2 in the second to last group match of the first version of the Asian Champions Trophy at the Ordos Hockey Stadium in China on September 7.
Though it was not a reasonable performance from the Greenshirts, they not only succeeded to reduce the pressure but also made the chances strong to win a berth in the finals. The Greenshirts had won many of the inaugural tournaments including Asia Cup and
Champions Trophy. Once again they have the opportunity to lift the maiden version of the Asian Champions Trophy.
The Koreans, who failed to show an impressive performance in the tournament, lost their second game in the hands of Pakistan as they were beaten by India in the earlier fixture. They started the game quite aggressively and gave a tough time to the Pakistanis,
but luck was not with them and they lost the match 3-2.
Greenshirts opened up the action quite brilliantly considering that the victory will enhance their chances for the final’s berth. With a fast style of play, the Greenshirts succeeded to establish their dominance over the field in the seventh minute when
Muhammad Waqas slammed a powerful drag flick from the right flank to open the scoring at 1-0. They continued their efforts and back-to-back strikes paid off within a few minutes with a second goal. Pakistan received a short corner in the 13th minute
which was converted into a successful goal in the hands of Muhammad Irfan through a scooping shot. Interestingly, it was the overall action from the two sides, as Pakistan kept Korea at bay in the first thirty-five minutes of the play.
The Koreans came alive in the second half and scored two goals. Sun Hoon Cho notched the first goal in the 43rd minute while his team-mate Hyun Woo Nam scored off a short corner in the 52nd minute of the play.
In search of the go-ahead goal, both Korea and Pakistan started an aggressive style of play. Shafqat Rasool scored a goal in the 57th minute that helped the Greenshirts win the match 3-2.
Pakistan after playing four matches is currently holding the top position on the points chart. They have won three matches out of a total of four and earned nine points. Beside the Greenshirts, the Indian team is currently holding eight points while Japan
and South Korea are respectively seven and six. The Greenshirts will have to win the game against India at any cost if they want to earn a spot in the final fixture. Japan will face Malaysia and have more chances to get a place in the title-claiming match.
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