After a poor performance in Hamburg Master’s tournament, the green shirts were looking in fine nick in the ongoing event and have not lost a single match. Pakistan finished last in the four nation tournament held last week. The green shirts drew with Spain 1-1 in their first match, then overpowered arch rivals India 3-1 in their second and became Pool A leaders by outclassing the Germans.

Pakistan after a 1-0 lead at the first session, started the second half with aggressive intent and struck four times to emerge convincing winners.

Germany, fielding a relatively inexperienced outfit, were no match for the slick-moving Pakistanis in the second half as the European powerhouse defence was repeatedly punctured by rampaging the green shirts.

Rehan netted the first goal of second half from a 46th minute penalty corner on an indirect attempt, followed by a field goal from Shabbir, six minutes later.

Skipper Saqlain increased the lead for Pakistanis to 4-0 in the 57th minute move with a perfect reverse hit.

Rehan in the 65th minute made no mistake when he got opportunity to strike on a penalty corner on goalie’s deflection to complete the scoring.

Needing at least a two-goal victory against Germany to secure a place for final, Mudassir gave Pakistan their first breakthrough when he struck in 18th minute of the first half.

Germans created several chances in the match but however failed to beat strong Pakistan’s defense, especially goalkeeper, Salman Akber who blocked couple of attempts.

Pakistan and Spain finished level with seven points each but the green shirts advanced to the final due to superior goal difference.

Both teams remained unbeaten in their three outings having played goalless draw when they met. Pakistan also topped the goal scoring from Pool A having netted seven goals to Spain’s five.

India finished last from Pool A as they lost all their three matches.—Agencies