Hockey Champions Trophy: Pakistan beats Germany in quarter-final

MELBOURNE: Pakistan has beaten Germany in the first quarter-final of the 34th Hockey Champions Trophy here at the State Netball Hockey Centre on Thursday, Geo News reported.

Pakistan humbled Germany by 2-1 where Shakeel Abbasi scored both the goals.

In the backdrop of three goals in as many outings and almost a dozen misses, Pakistan coaches worked all morning Tuesday to make players realise their mistakes.

In the 27 matches both countries have played so far in the Champions Trophy, Germany have won 12 times against 10 victories achieved by Pakistan. Five matches ended in draw.

Germany had a new look team with five players who helped them win the Olympic gold in London either dropped or rested.

Germany came from behind on Monday to upset India in the last pool A match.

German coach Markus Weise was all praise for the Pakistan team when he talked to the reporters here at the State Netball Centre

The Champions Trophy Hockey is witnessing the quarter-final stage for the very first time. The format has been changed to keep teams’ interest alive.

Besides a place in the semis, the victory over Germany has included Pakistan directly into next year’s Champions Trophy.

In another quarter-final on Thursday, Australia will be looking to beat England to keep themselves on the road for the record thirteenth Champions Trophy title.

However, to achieve that, Australia will need to find the back of the net more often. They scored just once during the last two games, a weakness that makes them less impressive this time. In the other quarter-finals, the Netherlands play New Zealand and India face Belgium.