NEWS
MATCH REPORTS
STAT SHEET
DIARY
SLIDE SHOW
PEOPLE
DEAR REDIFF

Pak goes down to Spain

Another Asian citadel fell as defending champion Pakistan went down 1-2 to Atlanta Olympic silver medallist Spain in the crucial pool ''B'' match of the ninth men's world cup hockey at the Galgenwaard stadium in Utrecht last night.

The defeat is a setback for Pakistan's bid to retain the title or even make it to the last four. The defending champions now have six points from three matches with matches against the formidable Australia and lowly Poland ahead.

Spain and Australia both have seven points from three outings, having won two and a draw against each other.

In a needle contest, Pakistan trailed 0-1 at half time. For Spain, Francisco Fabregas and Javier Arnau scored a goal each; while for Pakistan, Sohail Abbas converted a penalty corner.

The credit for Spain's victory goes to veteran goalkeeper Ramon Jufresca, who not only saved the penalty strokes taken by Pakistan skipper Tahir Zaman, but also came off with numerous spectacular saves.

In an pressure cooker atmosphere both teams looked tense as the match opened. The defending champions needed a straight third win to make a certain entry into the semis while Spain was desperate for a win to stay in contention for a last four berth.

In such a tense situation, both the teams played cautious hockey.

The Atlanta Olympic silver medallist though provided some solid defence, spearheaded by Jufresa.

The first incisive move came in the third minute when Spain's Jay Javier Arnau moved up and defender Tariq Imran failed to block. Aranu relayed the ball to Jaun Dinares whose reverse shot was stopped by goalkeeper Ahmed Alam.

In the very next minute, Javier Arnau again created an opening from the right but the chance went abegging.

The Pakistani counter came in the sixth minute, Shahbaz (Sr) set up centre forward Kamran Ashraf who failed to connect the cross.

The Pakistanis earned their first penalty corner in the tenth minute when Shahbaz (Sr) dribbled past from the left but was blocked in the circle. Penalty corner expert Sohail Abbas's scoop was saved by the goalkeeper.

Three minutes later, Jufresa again brought off a fine save when he blocked Shahbaz (Jr)'s powerful drive.

Pakistan made few more moves but the solid Spanish defence, spearheaded by Joaquin Malgosa, frustrated all of them. Malgosa as sweeper back along with Jaime Amat overlapped each other in the defence which efficiently blocked Shahbaz (Sr).

The Olympic silver medallist did not allowed much space to Shahbaz (Sr). Their forward players indulged in small passes and displayed better ball control.

With only three forward players in the front -- Juan Escarre, Victor Pijol and Pablo Usoz -- the Spanish side gave much better performance in the midfield and defence.

The trio of Pujol, Amat and Usoz created many problem for the defending champions.

The Pakistan goal survived twice in 23rd and 24th minute when Usoz's reverse hit just missed the target by a whisker.

Pakistani forays were effectively foiled by Malgosa and, when they beat him, Jufresa provided an apt foil.

Spain earned two quick penalty corners in three minutes, in 31st, 34th and of the last, Francisco Fabergas scored off an indirect drill to put his team in the lead (1-0).

Four minutes into the second half, Shahbaz (Sr) made a solo move which was foiled in the circle leading to the second Pakistan penalty corner. This time Sohail Abbas's scoop was right on target, beating the goalkeeper (1-1).

However, Spain hit back again and within four minutes took the lead when Javier Arnau converted a penalty corner.

The Pakistani's had golden chance to draw parity in the 51st minute when they were awarded the penalty stroke after Shahbaz (Sr) had set up Mohammed Nadeem whose shot hit defender Malgosa's foot.

Tahir Zaman's push was saved by the goalkeeper on the line.

In the last stages of the match both teams made furious forays into each other's territory. Pakistan's goalkeeper survived a scare twice as Pablo Amat made two dazzling solo moves but missed the goal narrowly.