HWL 2015: Pakistan, India put on a show in exciting draw
45
In the most exciting match of the Hockey World League semi-finals, Pakistan and India shared the spoils with a 2-2 finish in Antwerp on Friday.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Imran scored twice and India's Ramandeep Singh hit back with a brace in a match described as the “best of the tournament” by Pakistan Head Coach Shahnaz Sheikh in the post-game press conference.
The result moved India onto seven points in Pool A with Pakistan up to four points, enough to guarantee their place in the cross-over quarter-finals.
Mohammad Imran's PC bullets into the net
|
As expected, the high-voltage clash saw the two teams fighting end to end but it was India which drew first blood as Ramandeep dove in at the back post to deflect home in the 13th minute. Pakistan equalised courtesy a penalty stroke in the second quarter, veteran defender Imran making no mistake with his effort.
Imran, who played in the shadows of drag-flick king Sohail Abbas for the longest time, found the target again with a penalty corner which hit the back of the net like a missile.
India responded through Ramandeep again and the two teams went into half-time on 2-2. The scoreline stood until the final buzzer but the packed stadium was well and truly entertained.
Waqas Sharif's moment of magic almost comes good
|
Pakistan captain Mohammad Imran said: “I'm very happy. Although it was a draw we played a very good game and we could have won it. It's a pool match and we are looking forward. We'll look at the mistakes we made in this match but in the end I am happy with the performance of my team.”
“It's exciting - I got two goals which gives me confidence going into the next matches,” he added.
India captain Sardar Singh was agreement that the two teams had put on quite a show.
“They are always exciting games for everyone,” Singh said.
“Both teams played a good match, but it was lucky for us to get a draw. A lot of Indian fans were looking forward to this game and I hope they enjoyed what they saw.”
Pakistan will take on France next on June 28 and Imran's side would hope they collect all three points from that match.
