KARACHI:
Pakistan head right into a must-win World Cup conflict towards Wales on Monday after a 4-1 defeat by England uncovered weaknesses of their defence and left little room for error in Group D.
England produced a mature and managed efficiency on the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, scoring in each quarter to safe a convincing victory over an inexperienced Pakistan aspect.
Afraz scored Pakistan’s solely aim, providing some aid after England had taken management of the competition.
Pakistan began brightly and created alternatives however did not convert them. They have been additionally denied by the woodwork on one event, whereas one other effort narrowly did not beat the England goalkeeper.
England, nonetheless, maintained possession and dictated the tempo, exhibiting the composure and consistency required within the fast-paced trendy recreation.
Pakistan supervisor Mohammad Awais Qarni mentioned his aspect had already recognized the errors that contributed to the defeat and would now focus fully on Wales.
“Sure, we’re specializing in Wales and it is a do-or-die match for us,” Awais advised The Categorical Tribune from the Netherlands on Sunday.
“I feel we must always beat Wales. In the meanwhile we aren’t interested by India as our sole focus is on tomorrow’s present.”
Awais acknowledged the stress on a younger Pakistan squad, with many gamers making their World Cup debut.
“Look, we performed effectively within the first ten minutes and within the final ten minutes towards England. You already know we’ve got the inexperienced aspect and a lot of the gamers are taking part in their first World Cup and so there’s stress on them on the greatest stage,” he mentioned.
He added that the staff had been inspired by its probabilities towards England however wanted to be extra aggressive and scientific.
“Gamers have the concept the place they made errors towards England. We have been additionally unfortunate on sure events once we did not convert probabilities. Coaches need aggressive show from their fees and let’s have a look at how the boys reply in tomorrow’s recreation,” Awais mentioned.
Pakistan’s subsequent opponents Wales misplaced 3-1 to India on Saturday, making Monday’s assembly significantly vital for either side.
The highest two groups from Group D will advance to the second stage, whereas the remaining sides will transfer into classification matches. Pakistan will face India of their last group recreation on Wednesday.
Within the different Group D fixture on Monday, India will face England in one other vital encounter.
In one other males’s World Cup match on Sunday, hosts Belgium beat France 3-2 on the Belfius Hockey Enviornment in Belgium.
Alexander Hendrickx, Nelson Onana and Roman Duvekot scored for Belgium, whereas Eliot Curty and Florent Vaal replied for France.
Belgium led 2-1 after three quarters earlier than Hendrickx scored within the last quarter to safe the victory.
Within the ladies’s event, England opened their Group D marketing campaign with a 4-0 victory over South Africa on the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.