November 4, 2001	Sunday	Shaba’an 17, 1422

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ROTTERDAM (Netherlands), Nov 3: Pakistan drew 1-1 Saturday against Olympic champion and Grand Slam holder the Netherlands in the men’s Champions Trophy field hockey tournament, crediting its goalie Muhammad Qasim for “saving the day.”

Pakistan team manager Khalid Sajjed Khokhar said he was satisfied with the result. “I’m quite content that we are equal to Holland,” he said.

The match was a special one for Pakistan, featuring the return of one of its finest players ever. Starting in the line up, Shahbaz Ahmed returned to the field after retiring from international play three years ago.

In the first half, Shabaz impressed with a few keen passes, but minutes before halftime he failed to score before open goal.

“I can still improve a lot,” the 35-year-old Ahmed said. “I can do more for my team. And I hope I will do that in the coming matches.”

With a smile on his face, Shahbaz said goalkeeper Qasim deserved “today’s prize money,” as he stopped a rash of Dutch attacks.

Qasim conceded only one goal. After nine minutes of play, Taeke Taekema opened the scoring out of a penalty corner. About 20 minutes later, Pakistan’s Sohail Abbas scored the last goal of the match.

GERMANY BEAT AUSTRALIA: Germany came from behind to beat Australia 2-1 in the last match.

It was Germany’s fourth successive victory over the Olympic bronze medallists. —Agencies