Pakistan hockey teams manager, former Olympian, Akhtar Rasool has urged the team members to go all out for a` must win `against Argentina in the their second match of London Olympics hockey tournament here tomorrow, Wednesday at the river bank hockey stadium. “It is a make or break match for us and we must exhibit our full talent and potential to beat Argentina to remain in contention in the mega event,” he said.
Akhtar a former celebrated centre half of Pakistan team said after a 1-1 draw against Spain a decent win against Argentina will help the team to progress ahead in the event. “We need to play a better brand of hockey against Argentina by committing lesser mistakes and to speed up attacks besides beefing up our defence and I look forward to all the team members to follow my time to time advise in the field,” he asserted.
The former Pakistan captain said the composition of the Pak team is quite good as it is a blend of experience and youth and called upon the players to go a collective winning act to help restore the image of the team.
“We did good against Spain but we lacked in many ways, specially in the second half, and we should endeavour to overcome mistakes and to execute the match plans of the team management through precision and hard work,” he maintained.
Pak team manager said the young players must learn from the experience of some veteran players including captain, Sohail Abbas, Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi and Wasim Ahmad to perform to a highest level.
“They (junior players) are very committed and they are a useful part of the team and my only desire is to see these players (juniors) gelling with the seniors and through this combination we can easily shatter the confidence of a much fancied opponents,” he added.
To a question, Akhtar Rasool, said each match of Olympics has its own significance and no opponent can be taken easy as such a thought can ruin the chances of a team in a particular match.
“After a draw against Spain we have to be fully focused in our future matches and as the tournament progresses we will come across mighty opponents and the task becomes equally difficult but a much improved level of confidence with undying spirit can be the keys to success.”
Pakistan's hopes of an Olympic medal rest almost entirely on the hockey pitch, and the pressure will be on when they play their first match against Spain.Out of a total of 10 Olympic medals Pakistan has won in its history, eight have been in field hockey.But London 2012 comes after a period of turmoil for the team and at a difficult time for the country.Aleem Maqbool has been following Pakistan's national side and caught up with them at their training camp in Abbottabad. http://goo.gl/0vWEG
Akhtar Rasool was never the brain our hockey had.No wonder he is taking every one to be of his level of intelligence.Our game against Spain should be the indicator of where our team stands.It was an embarassement to see how our players were helpless and were treated like school boys.Ball possession remained with the spaniards.They were weak in finishing while we had some strength in defence barring the Goalkeeper who let the ball go through from the middle of his pads which should never have been a goal.We wil be somewhere in the last two or three unless Akhter Rasool inspires the spent force we have sent to The Olympic Games.Another indicator of the state of affairs back home.
All Politics even in Hockey.
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