June 17, 2008	Tuesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 12, 1429

DUBLIN, June 16: Rehan Butt scored a superb penalty corner goal just two minutes before the close to set up Pakistan’s 3-2 win over Olympic qualifiers Canada in the final of the four nation tournament here on Sunday night.

The green shirts came from behind to equalise 2-2 after Canada had caused panic by making it 1-1 and then going ahead 2-1 in short time.

Rehan, declared player of the tournament, lived up to his reputation as one of the world’s finest right wingers with a fluent display throught the tournament. With the victory on Sunday, Pakistan team also ended its title drought, their last win being in July 2007 in a 4-nation tournament in Moscow.

Pakistan started ordinarily with their forwards missing a number of opportunities mistakes. Muahmmad Waqas failed to beat the on-rushing goalkeeper Michael Mahmood in the very first minute after Shakeel Abassi’s straight pass had created a fine opening.

Pakistan shot into the lead in the fifth minute when Muhammad Imran’s push landed in the net to send a packed house into frenzy. Before going into the second half Canada forced two short corners but failed.

The beginning of the second half saw Canada attacking relentlessly and they soon levelled 1-1 through Paul Wettlaufer who scored off the third short corner.

From then onwards, the match turned into a battle as Pakistani forwards went all out with both flanks ably assisting their spearhead Shakeel Abbasi. However, it Canada not only blunted the opposition attacks, they also went ahead 2-1 in the 47th minute off the 4th penalty corner through Wayne Fernandes hit.

Pakistan, shocked by the Canada onslaught, desperately made some mid field changes. It was Shabbir Khan who found the net in the 53rd minute with a reverse flick from zero angle as Canadian goalie and a host of defenders were squarely beaten.

The equaliser put Pakistan back into the game but with time ticking away and crowd getting impatient, it looked as if the match might go into extra time with the scores 2-2.

Just then Rehan, in a rare display of conversion skills, slammed the net off the fourth short corner in the 88th minute to seal the victory for Pakistan.

“It was difficult to play back to back matches, flying from one place to another but I am happy that I did my best in my role as a forward and I am glad that we ended our tour on a morale boosting note,” said Rehan.

He added that the team was getting better with each passing day.—APP