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| December 05, 2006 | Tuesday | Ziqa'ad 13, 1427 |
North Korea upset spirited Pakistan
DOHA, Dec 4: Pakistan gave a big scare to North Korea before going down 0-1 in the Doha Asian Games round two Group F soccer match on Sunday at the Qatar Sports Club stadium.
Though Pakistan lost the match, the result was a big surprise for a high ranking Korean side which beat them 5-0 in the last Games at Busan way back in 2002. It was Pakistan's second defeat in a row as they had earlier lost to Japan 2-3.
Pakistan thwarted a strong Korean challenge as the first half ended 0-0. The green shirts continued their fine show in the coming session much to the frustration of the Koreans who were dreaming of a comfortable win, like in the past, but this time it did not happen.
They proved a strong side in the first half, when Korea made desperate efforts through Jo Yong Hong, Jun Yong, Man Chol, Chol Nam and Hyok Su, but goalkeeper Jaffar Khan was too alert under the bar, anticipating and averting all setbacks from both flanks and mid field shooting, amid applause from the crowd.
With time ticking away and the first half failing to produce a result, the second half was awaited as an attacking game with both teams raring to score.
Pakistan who are being coached by Bahrain’s Salman Sharida, proved that they are not a weak rival any more by defying some solid Korean efforts from the right flank.
As the Pakistani forwards rose to the occasion showing agility and a never-say-die approach, the defenders smartly blocked the way and moves of high flying Koreans who at one stage had feared that the game would be a goalless encounter.
Striker Ho Chol Kim was the hero of Korean side producing the solo all-important goal with a first time shot beating the goalkeeper with a close margin in the 54rd minute of the play.
In post match comments Pakistan captain Mohammad Essa said that he was disappointed for not winning the game.
“We wanted to win the game after they (N. Korea) had scored, our full force went all out to draw the game which did not happen and it is quite sad to get such a result,” he told the media.
He added that the N. Korea was a strong side and Pakistan did its best but unfortunately could not get a favourable result.
“We had a really good second half but we missed chances and also ran out of luck,” he said.
Essa said Pakistan football is on an upward trend which is evident from team's recent showing in the Asian Games.
“The team is blending into a killing combination but at the moment it lacks that fire and sting which is needed and I believe in near future we will be there where we want to be,” he asserted.
Commenting on the next match against Syria, he said, they face another strong opponent in next round but promised to put up an impressive performance against them.
“It is a reality that after two defeats our chances to make it to the next round are not that bright but we will try to win against Syria.”
“In the South Asian Games in Colombo three month before we were not that good though we won the gold, but now we have picked up a lot and we are getting more experience from international teams,” he added.
Pakistan coach Salman Sharida said he believes that his hard work and association with the team is paying off as the team is giving tough time to the opponents in the Games.
“The results so far produced are that disappointing the way it used to be in the past like wide margin defeats, now we are a team which is fast improving and making rapid improvement which indicates it bright future”, he said.
He said next match against Syria is equally important though his team has little chance to qualify for the next round.
“We are here to learn and to groom our young team and positively we are achieving these goals,” he said.—APP
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