KARACHI: The real contest in next month’s Champions Trophy begins from the quarter-finals, forward-line coach and ex-Olympian Sameer Hussain said on Monday.

“There is no doubt that this is the toughest event of world hockey. It all matters winning in the quarter-final because that will decide who are the best title contenders,” he said in an interview after the team’s gruelling training session at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium.

While noting Pakistan will be facing a tough task against Belgium, England and Australia in their league round games, Sameer however acknowledged that the quarter-finals stage will be the key.

Top eight teams will be taking part in the high-profile event. “Besides good play the team needs a bit of good luck to make it to the semi-finals,” said the Olympian who was part of Pakistan team in the 2000 Sydney Games.

He said the team is fully aware of the significance of the event.

“Our team is a blend of youth and experience and a couple of good results can boost their morale,” said Sameer.

He added that the Pakistan forward line played really well in the Incheon Asian Games and they are putting a lot of hard work ahead of the Champions Trophy.

“Our forwards have managed to reduce their missing ratio and improved short corner conversion and I feel we have a bright chance of making the semis,” he said.

“The panel of coaches under the supervision of chief coach Shahnaz Sheikh are working hard to remove the shortcomings of the team and the results are showing now.”

Published in Dawn, November 25th , 2014