Captain Muhammad Imran was elated with his forwards’ firepower as they blasted five goals in Pakistan’s 5-3 win over fighting Chinese team in the second hockey test at Hockey Club of Pakistan on Thursday. “Our forwards were at their best and they showed their true potential,” Imran told reporters after the match here. Both Haseem Khan and Waqas Sharif were outstanding in the field contributing spectacular field goals. Ali Shan contributed the other goal also with field effort.
“The team needed consistency and we working on our mistakes. This four-match test series will help us prepare and build the team for London Olympics,” he maintained. “The coming Azlan Shah Cup and then long European trip and appearance of in four-nation event in England will help us prepare well for Olympics,” full-back Muhammad Imran said. He said China is good team and they really came back and gained a 2-0 lead. But thanks to our forwards and team effort Pakistan came from behind to win.
Responding to a question about replacing Salman Akhar with young goalkeeper Imran Shah, he said team was trying of different combinations to pick the best lot for London Olympics. “We played well in the first 15 minutes and scored two goals. But as you know Pakistan is top team and the came back strongly to emerge winners,” China Captain Song Yi commented. “Our boys showed good rhythm and we are happy that we were able to score three goals,” he said. “We hope to further improve in coming test matches and may be able to offer some challenge,” he said. The Chinese side is preparing for 2012 London Olympic qualifier being staged in Japan early next year. “We are hoping to join Pakistan in London Olympics with good show in Japan,” modest Song Yi through an interpreter. Chinese and Pakistan teams will leave for Faisalabad on Friday for the third test to played there on Saturday and final test will be staged at Lahore on Sunday.
