Pakistan need to beat Spain to stay in reckoning

NEW DELHI: Four-time winners Pakistan need to exorcise the ghost of their 1-4 drubbing from India as they go into their second Pool B game of the Hockey World Cup on Tuesday, needing a victory against Spain to stay in the reckoning.

Pakistan, who last won the World Cup 16 years ago, would be hoping for some luck and better finishing from their ace penalty corner specialist Sohail Abbas, who twice hit the upright from set pieces on Sunday.

Rehan Butt, policed into submission in the first game by the Indian defenders, would also be hoping to deliver against Spain, who prevailed over South Africa 4-2 in their lung opener.

The sub-continental side also looked a trifle rusty in their first match, and need to improve upon their fitness to log full points against the Beijing Olympics silver medallists.

Pakistan have an outstanding record against their European opponents.

In the ten World Cup games between the two teams, Pakistan have won seven, and Spain only two. The other match – in the previous edition in Monchengladbach (Germany) – ended in a draw.

The only time the two sides met in a World Cup final was in 1971, and Pakistan went on to win 1-0.

Spain, now third in the FIH rankings, would depend on their seasoned campaigner and skipper Pablo Amat to deliver the goods after his somewhat lackadaisical display against South Africa.

Amat, adjudged FIH player of the year in 2009, missed several chances despite his fluent runs on Sunday, and the Spanish team management would be looking for a more disciplined showing from him.

In the other game on Tuesday, England start firm favourites against South Africa after their upset 3-2 win over Australia Sunday evening.