In a remarkable show of aggression, the measured Indian team outplayed and outsmarted Pakistan with a bigger than tennis score 10-2 to keep their all-win record. The flood-lit stadium here in Hangzhou saw goals raining through methodical sorties that India sent throughout sixty minutes. By scoring 10 goals against Pak India made history today. It is the maximum by either team in any 180 matches they played since first met in 1956.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh was in the forefront scoring four goals and then letting everyone else to add their names on the scoreboard.
Defender Varun also scored a field goal, besides converting a penalty corner!
It was expected the experience will count for India which it did. Scoring two goals in each quarter, India led Pakistan 4-0 at half time.
Mandeep it was who struck the first goal, which is personal career’s landmark, the 100th. The athletic goal opened the doors of his team mates. Goalkeeper of Pakistan Akmal Hussein tripped a rushing forward in an one to one situation which prompted Singapore umpire Zhen Hong to show the dreaded spot.
Pakistan went against the decision, and lost the referral too. Harmanpreet Singh would not miss the opportunity to take India to 2-0. It was again he who immaculately converted in the early moments of second quarter (3-0). As the proceedings were nearing the half time with the 3-0 scoreline, another attack created a melee in the Indian circle where Sumit’s shot got bounced from a defender. Umpire did not give goal for dangerous play, but the smart Indians went for the referral and got it (4-0).
Pakistan tried hard to contain the marauding Indians, but made profuse mistake in trying to match their speed. Some Pakistan players were fast with ball, and their circle penetration seemed to enthuse them. But in fact they fell into the Indian trap.
Indian knew well they are fitter and can last entire sixty minutes. Being inexperienced, Pakistan focussed on scoring and relying on turn overs. It certainly enthused the crowd, who were by and large supporting all the weak teams, anyway!
Pakistan pressed hard which worked for them in the second half. But Afraz and Co could not make use of half a dozen penalty corners the hardworking forwards earned for the team.
On the other hand, the Indians were hawkish inside the circle, patient and clever, kept the scoreboard moving.
Indian’s patience inside the circle, with measured short, and accurate passes were thorn in the flesh of fresher goalie Akmal, who was often left alone to guard the cage.
The match produced a few records
- Max goals in any India-Pak match
- Highest score by India against Pak 3.
- Highest margin of victory for India against Pak (8 goals, previous best was 6).
Pakistan can still make it to the semis if they would beat the defending champions Japan on Monday.