PAKISTAN BEAT JAPAN

In hockey, Pakistan Beat Japan by 3-1 in France to qualify for the Hockey World cup 2010 to be played at New Delhi, India. Playing in Lille, France in the final of first group of qualifiers Pakistan got good Start because of attacking play of young Haseem khan scoring first goal in four minutes after the start of play. Penalty Corner specialist Sohail Abbas came into the action bit late Stroking his first goal of the match taking full advantage of Short Corner. Japan keeps on attacking Pakistan goal but remain unsuccessful until Shibushi score the first goal for Japan in 27 minute on penalty corner reducing the lead of Pakistan to 2-1, at the end of first half of the match. In, second half Sohail Abbas scored his second goal of the match strengthening the Lead of Pakistan to 3-1. [ad#post]After this Pakistan missed few chances of sure goal but the goal keeper of Pakistan Team stood strong against the sharp attacks made by Japanese Forward at goal. With the victory against Japan, Pakistan qualifies for the first round of Hockey Wowld cup to be played in New Delhi. The four time World Cup winner Pakistan will join 9 other teams with two places which will be filled by teams who will qualify for the World Cup. International Hockey Federation will arrange two more qualifying event, one in Argentina and one in Newzeland. Final Team Standings at the end of qualifying round are.

1) Pakistan

2).Japan

3). Poland

4) France

5). Russia

6). Italy

In the history of Pakistan Hockey, It is the first time when Pakistan is playing a qualifying round to qualify in world cup 2010. Earlier in the tournament Pakistan also beat Japan by 6-1, in the league Stage of the tournament. Pakistan also defeated Russia, Italy, and France. And got beaten by Poland in Last league encounter. Qualifying of World Cup is a ray of light for drowning Pakistan hockey, as it was the first time when Pakistan has played qualifying round in which all seniors Like Sohail Abbas were the part of the team. If the senior players of the team continue the great exhibition of Hockey, than in March 2010 than Pakistan can be the Champion 5th time in history.