Pakistan lost the Champions Trophy opener 2-1 against Great Britain

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (Dec. 03) – Pakistan went down 2-1 to Great Britain in a hard-fought match marked by committed defence from both sides, in the last match of the day one of 33rd edition of Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2011 being played in Auckland, New Zealand.

Shakeel Abbasi (R) of Pakistan shoots past Ben Hawes of Britain (AFP, Michael Bradley)

Pakistan Skipper Mohammad Imran, who scored the first goal of the match in 31st minute and put his side ahead, said Pakistan created several chances in the fast-tempo first half but missed to strengthen the lead.

“We played well but unfortunately we missed our chances and we’re working on that,” he said.

Britain were looked more skillful and conposed in the second half of the match and took a decisive lead through Richard Mantell goal after an equalizer by Mark Peam.

Talking to media after the match, Pakistan team manager Khawaja Junaid said the Green Shirts, who shocked Australia 4-3 in Perth last month, have proved they were improving with each and every day and will be a real tough side ahead of Olympic 2012 in London.

“We are still in the tournament… we played good hockey and we are not demoralized,” he said.

England were runners-up to Australia in Champion Trophy tournament last year and, because the tournament in Auckland is a lead-up event for the Olympics, its players form part of a combined British team this year.


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