Sohail Abbas, the star performer at the UCD Four-Nations finals in Dublin: Hockey News
Sohail Abbas, the world’s best drag-flick expert of Pakistan, outshone at the final match of the University College Dublin (UCD) Four-Nations Hockey Tournament sealing victory against Ireland by 2-1 that was held yesterday, on June 26, in Dublin, Ireland.
Both the goals for Pakistan had been delivered by the specialist with the help of penalty-corner conversions during the second half.
Khawaja Junaid, senior team’s manager commented over Greenshirts’ performance, “It’s a good win for us. Although the opponents in this tournament weren’t highly-ranked, the way the players adjusted to the tough conditions is commendable. The victory will
help us in the Rabo Bank where we will face some of the top teams.”
The match was stuck in a dead-lock at 0-0 until half-time, despite a few potential attempts made by both the ends. The defensive wing from both teams displayed their abilities to the utmost and not conceding any goal in the first half.
In the opening minutes of the second half, Pakistan’s strikers made a run into the Irish defensive circle and received a penalty-corner where the world’s top goal-scorer, made a heroic appearance for the penalty conversion. Abbas comfortably broke the score-lock
into a lead for Pakistan in the 40th minute of the match.
In response, Irish men made it with an equaliser when they received a penalty-corner in the 54th minute, which was successfully converted by John Jermyn.
The Asian Games Champions instantly counter-attacked in the next three minutes by receiving another penalty-corner.
Abbas reappeared and without any mistake successfully led the team to a score lead at 2-1, later allowing Pakistan to win the gold medal.
This is Pakistan’s first title win in the year 2011 which is not so highly commendable, according to the Chief Selector, Hanif Khan. He added that though this victory might have lifted the team’s confidence, but the actual objective is to sustain such a
performance.
He further commented that Abbas’s outstanding performance at the tournament has turned down all the critics over him, becoming the highest scorer at the tournament with four to his tally.
Hanif praised the fine player and said, “He has done well. All the senior players, including Abbas, will take part in next year’s Olympics if they continue to give a good performance.”
He commented over the improvement by saying that the team has the potential to be more competent if they give tough time to teams like Australia and Netherlands.
Pakistan’s next appearance is to begin at the Amstelveen’s Four-Nations Rabo Hockey Tournament in Netherlands tomorrow, on June 28, against England, Germany and Netherlands as part of their Europe tour.
Pakistan will be playing the opening match against the host team.
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