Pakistan overwhelm Russia 5-0 in qualifiers

KARACHI: It was smooth sailing again for favourites Pakistan in the World Cup hockey qualifiers on Sunday as they overwhelmed Russia 5-0 at the Metropole Hockey Club in the French city of Lille.

According to the information received here, Pakistan, who won their opening match against Italy on Saturday by the same score line, led 3-0 at interval.

Experienced striker Rehan Butt opened the account for Pakistan through an individual field attempt in the 23rd minute followed by another field goal by frontrunner Shakeel Abbasi in the 31st minute. Sohail Abbas also did his bit by converting a 33rd-minute penalty-corner.

The second session saw Pakistan scoring twice with centre-half Mohammad Imran (37th minute) and centre-forward Abdul Haseem Khan (43rd minute) scoring through a penalty-corner and a field goal, respectively.

In Sunday’s remaining fixtures, Japan, who trounced Russia 4-0 on Saturday, easily defeated Poland 3-2 with all the goals coming in the first half while hosts France beat Italy 3-0 after leading by a solitary goal at the interval.

Meanwhile, France were held to a 2-2 draw by Poland in Saturday’s last match.

Pakistan and Japan have each collected six points with the former on top on goal difference. France have four points and Poland one. Monday is a rest day in the tournament.

Tuesday’s fixtures: Italy v Japan; Poland v Russia; Pakistan v France.