Pakistan vs. Korea: 3-2 (half-time: 1-2)
A Muhammad Imran penalty corner launch with nine
minutes to play gave Pakistan their first and only scoreline advantage
of the match.
The first half yielded circle penetrations for both teams, Shafqat
Rasool found himself on the receiving end of a liberating pass from
Muhammad Rizwan Sr, but he seemed to close his own angle to goal
allowing Myung Ho Lee to block with ease.
Korea attacking from both endlines with Sung Hoon Yoon
and Nam Yong Lee faced a blockade of green shirts that brought on a
series of crosses that were only slightly more effective.
With five to play in the half, an attack through the middle found Hye
Sung Hyun open for an easy touch at the right post giving Korea short
lived lead. Muhammad Waqas replied emphatically within a minute with a
resounding strike. Korea would not be denied their half time advantage
as another Hyun tally at the end of a scramble survived a Pakistan team
referral.
Pakistan held the advantage in the second half, Abdul
Haseem Khan finding his own rebound off of Lee and calmly lifted the
equalizer over the prone keeper. Korea pressed forward but was unable
to find space in the crowded attacking quarter.
Imran’s winner came just after a similar drag flick from Sohail Abbas
temporarily injured Lee in the Korean goal and perhaps limited his
mobility on the decisive strike.
Pakistan leaves London with a seventh place finish and
the consolation of being the highest ranked Asian team in the
competition.
(Hari Kant)
A methodical performance by the Black Sticks
highlighted by strong midfield and sharp finishing provided a
comfortable ninth place finish over a slow starting Argentinian team.
While Argentina briefly controlled the opening minutes an errant free
hit by Manuel Brunet was delivered into the circle by Simon Child for
the awaiting Stephen Jenness to deflect past Jan Manuel Vivaldi for the
first tally.
Matias Parades on the receiving end of a skillful give
and go had his reverse bat find the side mesh, to cap a sequence of
Argentina efforts that were a step short.
New Zealand extended twice, first with an immense corner flick by
Richard Petherick and then quick reverse blast by Nicholas Wilson.
Argentina finished the half with nine players having both Lucas Rossi
and Matias Vila serving suspensions, personifying the overall team
frustration.
Argentina was eager to start the second half but their
chances were either lacking or rebuked. Kyle Pontifex stretching to
make a penalty corner save on Peillat and then inducing the same to
flick over the bar on his subsequent effort.
With eleven to play Pedro Ibarra solved the puzzle with a low PC
drag, however the Argentine ascendency was initiated too late. New
Zealand confidently absorbed the late charge to finish their campaign
with a victory.
(Hari Kant)
