Its irony, Pakistan finishes last

Many years ago in the same stadium Pakistan reigned supreme with an amazing 7-1 win over the hosts India in the Asian Games final.

Today, years later, the Pakistan team finished last in the World Cup, conceding golden goal in the extra time to Canada.

In 1982, when the Asian Games final was played here – it was the first tournament held in India on synthetic turf – Shahid Ali Khan, goalie was a glorious spectator as his team pounded India for the glorious 7-1 win.

As irony would have it, the Shahid was here as the team’s coach and had to at last tender an apology to the nation for letting them down.

It did appear the tragedy was waiting to happen for Pakistan when they took lead in the 4th minute through Rehan Butt. Canada equalized four minutes later, Connor Grimes equalizing. In the second half, Pakistan again went up with a goal from Akhtar Ali. Canada took the match to extra time with a goal from Mark Pearson, and in the second half of extra time, Scott Tupper scored the Golden goal off the team’s penalty corner.