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MELBOURNE: Fresh from 2-0 win against Belgium in the second match, Pakistan are geared up to provide some serious fight to hosts Australia in their last pool outing in the 34th Men’s Hockey Championship at the State Netball Hockey Stadium here on Tuesday.
Pakistan camp is eager to keep the momentum going even against the powerful Kookaburras team that played a draw against Olympic silver medalist Holland.
“Australia are one of the toughest sides of the world and they are playing at home in front of a cheering crowd,” said Akhtar Rasool team chief coach. “They definitely are the team to beat in the Champions Trophy. What is important for us is to play with the same vein as we did against Belgium the other day.”
With one win and one loss Pakistan are placed well to finish among the top three teams of the group.
In the changed format of the Trophy even the fourth-placed team in the group will make it to the knockout stage, but the top two teams will get to play against weaker opponents.
“We were well placed to score more goals against Belgium. The win, however, is a win and that is what we want to achieve against Australia.”
Assistant coach Ahmad Alam was in no mood to make tall claims and said that he expected the team to give the best against Australia. “We want our players to fight for each opportunity to put pressure on Australia. Kookaburras are a tough side to beat at home. But our plan is to make Australia realise that Pakistan means business.”
Alam said goalie Imran Butt had shown great guts in both matches of the Champions Trophy. “I am really happy that the hard work on goalkeeper has paid off. Imran has shown tremendous improvement. We want to use both keepers and whosoever plays well will get the opportunity.”
He said the team would start with Butt against Australia. “He is performing well and hopefully will continue to do so.”
Pakistan players rested on Monday. “It was the first day we took rest since we arrived here in Australia. Following hectic nine-a-side tourney in Perth, we have been training continuously. On Monday we took rest so that the best could be on display against fast moving Australia,” said an official. The match between Pakistan and Australia will be the last of the day.
Pakistan camp is eager to keep the momentum going even against the powerful Kookaburras team that played a draw against Olympic silver medalist Holland.
“Australia are one of the toughest sides of the world and they are playing at home in front of a cheering crowd,” said Akhtar Rasool team chief coach. “They definitely are the team to beat in the Champions Trophy. What is important for us is to play with the same vein as we did against Belgium the other day.”
With one win and one loss Pakistan are placed well to finish among the top three teams of the group.
In the changed format of the Trophy even the fourth-placed team in the group will make it to the knockout stage, but the top two teams will get to play against weaker opponents.
“We were well placed to score more goals against Belgium. The win, however, is a win and that is what we want to achieve against Australia.”
Assistant coach Ahmad Alam was in no mood to make tall claims and said that he expected the team to give the best against Australia. “We want our players to fight for each opportunity to put pressure on Australia. Kookaburras are a tough side to beat at home. But our plan is to make Australia realise that Pakistan means business.”
Alam said goalie Imran Butt had shown great guts in both matches of the Champions Trophy. “I am really happy that the hard work on goalkeeper has paid off. Imran has shown tremendous improvement. We want to use both keepers and whosoever plays well will get the opportunity.”
He said the team would start with Butt against Australia. “He is performing well and hopefully will continue to do so.”
Pakistan players rested on Monday. “It was the first day we took rest since we arrived here in Australia. Following hectic nine-a-side tourney in Perth, we have been training continuously. On Monday we took rest so that the best could be on display against fast moving Australia,” said an official. The match between Pakistan and Australia will be the last of the day.
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