AMSTELVEEN: England began their FIH Hockey World Cup campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Pakistan at the Wagener Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
Pakistan made a positive start and used high passes to put England under pressure. They earned an early penalty corner in the fifth minute. However, the opportunity went begging after the injection failed to reach the intended target cleanly.
England Take Control
England gradually took control and broke the deadlock in the 13th minute. Stuart Rushmere scored after 12 minutes and 15 seconds to give England the lead.
Pakistan struggled to create clear chances as England continued to threaten on the counter. Goalkeeper Ali Raza kept Pakistan in the contest with two important saves.
He also denied England from their first penalty corner of the second quarter.
Pakistan captain Abu Bakar received a green card for a technical infringement. His side had failed to place their protective equipment behind the designated goalpost during a penalty-corner situation.
England eventually doubled their lead shortly before half-time. Sam Ward scored in the 29th minute to give the Three Lions a 2-0 advantage at the interval.
England Extend Their Lead
England continued to dominate after the restart. Sam Hooper then converted their second penalty corner in the 32nd minute.
Pakistan soon earned a penalty corner of their own. England goalkeeper James Mazarelo, however, made a crucial save to deny them their first goal.
The Green Shirts continued to search for a way back into the match. However, they struggled to break through England’s organised defence.
Pakistan entered the final quarter 3-0 down.
England added a fourth goal in the 48th minute. James Albery converted another penalty corner to put the result beyond doubt.
Pakistan finally opened their account three minutes later. Afraz scored in the 51st minute and offered Pakistan a brief glimpse of a comeback.
England continued to apply pressure during the closing stages. They earned another penalty corner but could not add to their tally.
Pakistan’s defence held firm to prevent a fifth goal.
Germany, India and Belgium Also Win
Germany also secured a convincing victory. They defeated Malaysia 5-1 after racing into a 3-0 lead within the opening eight minutes.
Malaysia pulled one goal back through Abu Kamal Azrai in the 40th minute. Justus Warweg then restored Germany’s three-goal advantage.
Paul-Philipp Kaufmann later completed the scoring.
Meanwhile, India marked their Independence Day with a 3-1 victory over Wales.
Sanjay scored for India, while Harmanpreet Singh added two goals. Sam Welsh scored Wales’ consolation goal in the 56th minute.
World No. 1 Belgium faced a tougher challenge against neighbours France. Belgium eventually secured a 3-2 victory.
Eliot Curty gave France an early lead before Nelson Onana equalised for Belgium. Florent Vaal then restored France’s advantage.
Belgium responded after half-time. Roman Duvekot and Alexander Hendrickx scored to complete the comeback.
Pakistan Face Wales Next
Pakistan will play Wales in their second match of the tournament on Monday.
The match will take place at the same Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.
