ISLAMABAD, Aug 28 Pakistan hockey team will play seven matches during the three-nation tour of Europe prior to participation in the World Cup 2010 qualifiers in France.

“The European tour will be beneficial for us before we figure in the all-important qualifying round for the World Cup in October,” Pakistan hockey coach Shahid Ali Khan said on Friday.

He further disclosed that four of the key players were right now playing league hockey in Europe and may join the squad when it lands in Paris on Sept 24 or 25.

The side will play two matches in France and as many in Poland and three in Belgium.

Pakistan's quartet busy in European league matches are striker Rehan Butt, halfback Waseem Ahmed, goalkeeper Salman Akbar and forward Abbas Haider.—APP