November 29, 2007	Thursday	Ziqa’ad 18, 1428

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 28 Pakistan will face reigning world champions Germany under floodlights in their opening match of the Champions Trophy at the National Hockey Stadium in Bakit Jalil on Thursday.

In the last Champions Trophy in Terrassa (Spain), Pakistan secured fifth spot and a miraculous effort is required from this comparatively inexperienced squad to prove their potential here.

The national team had been going through a gloomy period in the current year under captain Rehan Butt who was axed after his inconsistent performances.

Hockey supporters and followers of the game will be hoping for an improved performance from the team under new captain Salman Akbar.

It will be a big test for this rather young team against a powerful German team. Pakistan last played a 3-3 draw against Germany when the two teams met each other in last year’s competition in Spain.

“This is a young Pakistan team and if we finish among the top four it will be a great achievement for us,” said chief coach Zakauddin on Wednesday. “There are a few untested players and how they fare in this fierce contest is yet to be seen,” he added.

However, he was not too happy with half-line and deep defence despite the return of three senior players - Ghazanfar, Dilawar and Zeeshan Ashraf.—APP