Match 18 – PAK 5 IND 3

Its games like these that make you think that hockey is one of the best spectator sports in the world.

An incredibly fast paced game with some spectacular skills in both defence and attack from both teams.

Whilst Pakistan’s Sohail Abbas was the star of the show with four corner goals from four attempts, it was the skills of the players coupled with the pre-match expectations, the large and vocal crowd and the passion of the players that made the game a magnificent spectacle.

Pakistan lead 4-1 after 40 minutes before India struck back twice in 90 seconds to bring the score back to 4-3.

Abbas then struck his fourth goal with seven minutes to go to put the game out reach for India.

On nine points and virtually assured of an Athens berth, Pakistan next meet Malaysia and New Zealand.

An improved India faces New Zealand and Canada.  A win in both these games will likely see them automatically qualify.

PAK Goals: Abbas 4 (PC 2m 28m 41m 62m), Butt (FG 34m)
IND Goals: Gagan 2 (FG 42m 44m), Thakur (FG 33m)