International Hockey Federation's most esteemed annual event kicked off in Auckland today where eight teams are battling for the trophy. Pakistan started their campaign with a prominent track record of 8 wins in previous 14 challenges against GB in Champions Trophy.
The crowd wasn’t in great numbers and the atmosphere was quite dull which is surprising to see in such a big event. It wasn’t free flowing hockey from either side. Pak got their chance on 17th minute but wasn’t able to convert into a goal scoring effort. Centre forward, Haseem Khan missed it by whisker. Both team tried hard but in 40th minute, Green shirts good work paid off & penalty corner was awarded. Captain Muhammad Imran did not miss it. His drag flick was hard to stop for opponents. Shortly after goal, Great Britain missed their chance due to good defending skills of Pakistan team. Pakistan led by 1 – 0 till the end of 1st half.
Second half started with GB had most of the possession. Attack was made on Pakistan’s Goal Post but Salman Akbar showed his heroics in early moments of 2nd half and saved a certain goal. His Sharp reflexes worked for Pakistan and added disappointment to opponents. GB showed again their significant skills in 20th minute of the second half when Mark Pearn scored his first Champions Trophy goal in 10 years. 34-year-old Mark Pearn became the oldest CT goal scorer since Spain's Juan Escarré scored at age 35 in 2004. Green Shirts made counter attack but wasn’t able to convert it into a goal scoring effort. A glimpse of hope rose for Pakistani Fans when penalty corner was awarded but it did not work for Green shirts as Imran missed it. It was fourth Penalty corner of the game for Pakistan.
In dying moments of game, GB got their 6th penalty corner and Simon Mantell was the hero of occasion. He scored his 4th Champions trophy career goal and his 2nd for GB. His previous Champions trophy goal for GB also came against Pakistan. (4-1 win in 2007). The 2-1 lead ended in a Great Britain win.
Great Britain came back from 0-1 down to beat Pakistan by a 1-goal margin like they did earlier this year at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (3-2).
Salman Akbar was star of the show from Pakistan side as there is plenty for our lads to look at in upcoming games. Lack of energy and least aggression will not work for Pakistan in such a big event.
GeoSuper