August 14, 2003	Thursday	Jumadi-us-Sani 15, 1424

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KARACHI, Aug 13: Germany’s decision of fielding their second-string team has come as a boon for Pakistan who now have a golden opportunity to lift the title, former captain Hanif Khan said on Wednes-day.

“Germany’s decision has made the task easier for Pakistan. Now I think we should win the title as our target is quite easy,” the former hockey great said.

The former coach said apart from the absence of the world champions’ national side from the elite six-nation contest in Amstelveen starting on Saturday, team should not face difficulty in facing other competitors, The Netherlands, Australia and India.

Hanif was of the view the team management should be much happier as they would have an opportunity to play the Dutch days before the real test.

And it were not only the Dutch whom Hanif thought should be easy target. He felt it should be a cakewalk against the Aussies and the arch-rivals India too.

“Likewise, it should be easy sailing against Australia and India as Pakistan recently played both the sides at the two three-nation tournaments in Down Under.

“It is a perfect opportunity for Pakistan to win this tournament if one considers the present scenario”.

The former left-in, however, predicted that it would be the penalty corners that Pakistan team would have edge over the rivals with specialist Sohail Abbas in the ranks.

“Only the penalty corners will get some results as the forward-line is in disarray and does not have the kind of firepower it should have after the departure of (Mohammad) Sarwar,” he remarked.

On Germany’s decision, Hanif favoured the Europeans wholeheartedly, saying it was their professional approach that they were focussing on the Olympics.

“They (Germans) are doing what they should. They are concentrating on Olympics not Champions Trophy. Every professional side will do it what the Germans are doing,” he said.