NOTTINGHAM, June 8: Pakistan will play against Spain and Argentina in Barcelona before the Athens Olympics, team officials said on Tuesday.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) in consultation with team management is preparing a plan to provide a build-up for the team before going to the Greek capital in August.

Assistant coach Tahir Zaman said the matches against Argentina and Spain were likely to be played between July 27 and 29. PHF in consultation with team officials was planning for a recreational trip for the team on an island in Greece before they launch their campaign in Olympics, he said.

During the leisure trip players will not be playing hockey and will involve in other sports activities he said and added basic aim was to create an urge for hockey. The players would play tennis, squash and football besides other sports, Tahir said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan team arrived in Nottingham for the second phase of their tournament which re-starts from Thursday. Pakistan will be having sessions at Highfields Hockey Centre under the supervision of coach Roelant Oltmans. -APP