Spain defeat Pakistan 4-2 in Junior Hockey World Cup quarter-final

Staff Report

LAHORE: Pakistan team’s journey in the Junior Hockey World Cup ended on Tuesday after the Green Shirts suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Spain in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. During the quarter-final match, the national side courtesy of skipper Hanan Shahid’s goal, secured a 0-1 lead against the Spaniards and remained ahead till half-time. However, the Spanish team made a strong comeback in the third quarter netting three goals via penalty corner and one field goal to bring the score 3-1 in their favour. Pakistan scored once again in the 43rd minute, courtesy of Sufyan Khan, but that was not enough to get them over the line. Cabre Verdiell scored twice for the winning side, whereas Aleix Bozal and Pablo Espino scored one goal each. Pakistan qualified for the quarter-finals after levelling their third game in the group stage by 1-1 against Belgium. “I’ve always said that this is a talented group of players that can do well in not only the Junior World Cup but even at the senior level. I hope this opens the eyes of people in Pakistan. They need all support,” Pakistan coach Roelant Oltmans said before the game against Spain. Pakistan also drew 3-3 against the Netherlands, while winning against New Zealand 4-0, in the group stage. Spain will face France and India will take on Germany in the semi-finals.

Pakistan squad:

Ali Raza (goalkeeper), Arbaz Ahmad, Sufyan Khan, Ghazanfar, Murtaza Yaqoob, Zikriya Hayat, Arshad Liaqat, Abdul Rehman, Hanan Shahid (Captain), Abuzar, Arbaz Ayaz, Abdul Rafay (Goalkeeper), Abdul Manan, M Ammad, Ahtisham, Basharat Ali, Aqeel Ahmed, Ali Murtaza, Umer Mustafa, and Abdul Qayyum.