ATHENS, Aug 22: Pakistan hockey coach Roelant Oltmans on Sunday did not give an excuse for the 4-0 thrashing by Spain at a crucial game at Olympics. "There is no excuse for the defeat.
We did not play like our opponents who played a fantastic game and won a match of high importance," he said.
Pakistan, after victories against Egypt and South Korea, and defeats against Germany and Spain, are now out of contention for a semifinal place. The coach said his side could not match the speed and game plan of the opponents who availed most of the opportunities.
"Spain were fantastic and it is not shame to lose against such rivals." He admitted that Pakistan were forced to make errors which eventually led to a defeat. "Obviously, I am disappointed that our dream of making it to the semifinal has been shattered which was our major objective."
Oltmans, who took over Pakistan team's charge nine month ago, said defence of his team was not solid as it gave a lot of space for the rivals to make inroads and score goals.
"Our forwards failed to rise on the occasion and we did not get penalty corners which resulted in the defeat," he remarked." It is really sad to end up in that manner in Olympics but the result of one match in a pool of death changed the whole scenario."
Assistant coach Tahir Zaman said the players failed to exhibit structural and organised hockey which they demonstrated in the earlier match, especially against Germany.
"The team should have put up a resolute fight to give them (Spain) tough time but they succumbed to the pressure which was a real disappointment," he observed. "For me, it is a shame that my side lost in this manner after encouraging performances. I am really upset the way they played," he said.
Spain coach Maurits Hendriks termed the victory against Pakistan a big achievement which would be beneficial for his side to progress to the semifinals. "We were ahead in attacks and other departments of the game and we outplayed Pakistan." Spain's Dutch coach said Pakistan team lacked in physical fitness and it would take time to improve hockey culture in Pakistan by adopting techniques. -APP
