DIFFERENT STROKES: Who is responsible for this debacle?
By Islahuddin
Win or lose, it’s all part of the game. But then, before the tournament commenced, expectations were high. Even the critics were confident that Pakistan will at least make it to the semi-finals. Alas, Pakistan’s performance betrayed all our high hopes. We really performed below par, especially in the pressure matches. Even Pakistan’s trump card, Sohail Abbas did not perform well, especially when it mattered the most. As if the loss against Germany wasn’t bad enough, our inability to even score in the loss against Spain left our spirits high and dry.
The defeat against Spain was the most disheartening. A draw would have sufficed. But now, the whole nation has to wait for another four years, for a chance to have a go at the medal stand. Apart from hockey skills, fitness proved to be the deciding factor in our league defeats.
Pakistan hasn’t won a hockey gold since Los Angeles in 1984. And this year too, it will watch from the spectator stands, either the Australians or the Dutch take home the title. As I write, the two hockey giants will take on each other in the Olympic final. While Australia is looking for its first Olympic gold, Holland will gunning for its third successive title.
Australia entered the final on the back of an authoritative win against Spain, 6-3. The Dutch on the other hand, had to struggle initially when Matthia Witthaus put Germany ahead after just three minutes. But thereon, the men in orange slammed home three goals, Teake Taekema’s penalty, two minutes after the German opener, being the first, without a reply. Eventually Germany pulled one back, but that was too little too late.
The Netherlands have now made it to the Olympic final, three games in a two. Australia too has it to the finals, thrice in the past. However, their haul of the medal tally includes just three silver and three bronze medals.
Meanwhile, Pakistan managed to retain some pride when we beat archrivals India 3-0 in the playoff. Earlier, Pakistan had put aside the disappointment of not qualifying for the semi-finals with a crushing 8-2 victory over Great Britain. Pakistan came back from a goal down to record their third victory in the competition, six of their goals coming in the second session. Sohail Abbas flicked in two goals but it was Pakistan’s inconsistent forward-line that woke up to bring back memories of the greenshirts’ clash with Great Britain at the 2000 Games in Sydney, when they won 8-1.
It was a completely contrasting performance from their humiliating 0-4 defeat against Spain and with it Pakistan once again proved they are still one of the most unpredictable teams in world hockey. The Spanish goal tally could have much higher had it not been for the heroics of goalie Salman Akbar, especially when he saved penalty corners. Sadly, the Pakistani forward line and defence couldn’t support him aptly.
I personally hold the coach responsible for this debacle. As is the selection committee, because they selected the team. The PHF had given every support that they had asked for. PHF’s President Aziz provided every possible monetary and moral support. I will give full marks to PHF and its President for doing everything for the promotion of the game.
Win or lose, it’s all part of the game. But then, before the tournament commenced, expectations were high. Even the critics were confident that Pakistan will at least make it to the semi-finals. Alas, Pakistan’s performance betrayed all our high hopes. We really performed below par, especially in the pressure matches. Even Pakistan’s trump card, Sohail Abbas did not perform well, especially when it mattered the most. As if the loss against Germany wasn’t bad enough, our inability to even score in the loss against Spain left our spirits high and dry.
