Pak to meet Korea in Azlan Shah hockey final

Pak to meet Korea in Azlan Shah hockey final
Sundeep Misra

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 23: Holders Pakistan thrashed struggling European champions Germany 4-2 to set up a summit clash with South Korea in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament on Wednesday.

Playing their best game of the tournament at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, Pakistan rallied from an early reverse to equalise and then snuffed out the challenge of a German side looking less than fully fit in the second half.

Germany went ahead in the seventh minute through a penalty corner goal by Florian Kunz, but Kamram Ashraf equalised in the 15th minute and substitute Kashif Javaid gave the lead through a 29th minute field conversion as Pakistan led 2-1 at halftime.

The European side, stunned earlier by Malaysia, fought back when Phillip Crone converted a penalty corner soon after resumption, but Pakistan quickly took charge and went ahead through an Imram Yousuf penalty corner conversion two minutes later and rounded it off with with a 59th minute strike by Atif Bashir.

The result left both Pakistan and Korea, who had played out an exciting one-all draw in the league, at the top of the table with 13 points apiece after an unbeaten run, with one more game left.

India play New Zealand on Thursday and if they win they will play Malaysia for the third place.

Pakistan, looking to rebuild in their quest for a berth in the Sydney Olympics later this year have done a fine job in this prestigious event. South Korea have a match against Malaysia and are assured of a final spot even if they lose.

Though it was Germany who opened the account, Pakistan came back strongly with Muhammad Sarwar absolutely brilliant in the midfield. Upfront Atif Bashir, Muhammed Anis and Kamran Ashraf ran rings around the German defence.

For Germany, their control on the game was only in sporadic bursts. Oliver Domke received little support from the midfield and was mostly hemmed in by three defenders whenever he had the ball.