**Results Day one
Netherlands 1 Pakistan 1
England 4 Korea 3
Germany 2 Australia 1**
Standing
P W D L GF GA GD Pts
ENG 1 1 0 0 4 3 1 3
GER 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
NED 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
PAK 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
KOR 1 0 0 1 3 4 -1 0
AUS 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
Pakistan Hockey team was lucky to narrowly escape what could have been a disastrous start for Pakistan against the defending champions, the Netherlands in their opening match of the 23rd edition of the champions trophy here on Saturday.
In around 8 degree cold, cloudy and chilly weather conditions the Pakistani half and forward line was shaky, scattered and fumbling with the ball for most of the first half with Muhammad Usman and Saqlain playing too deep in the defense thereby giving much space to the Dutch forwards to put Pakistani defense and custodian Mohammad Qasim under tremendous amount of pressure.
Playing his first major tournament as a first choice goalkeeper and conceding first goal in 9th minute, scored by Sander Weide through short corner, Mohammad Qasim stood like a rock and demonstrated superb athleticism under the bar leaving the whole Dutch team and spectators in disbelief. In a brilliant and classic airborne display of goalkeeping, Qasim saved at least six certain goals for Pakistan and received a grand round of applause from the sporting 7000 Dutch spectators.
Sohail Abbas was another hero for Pakistan who scored the equalizer for in 27th minute through first short corner by a powerful scoop at the right of the Dutch goalkeeper Guss Vogels. Full back Tariq Imran also played outstandingly in the defense alongside Qasim while Sohail Abbas provided good support. Pakistan were unlucky when recalled Shahbaz Senior playing his 282nd match after a period of three years, missed the open net on a short corner rebound taken by Abbas. Shahbaz’s shot went away wide of the right post thus lost a golden chance to take the lead against World, Olympic and defending champions the Netherlands.
In 2nd half as the weather got colder, the Pakistan team looked to be in control while the Dutch appeared to be a bit cautious and slower. Pakistani forwards not being able to make combined and coordinated attacks, did make some penetration in patches but the crosses did not find any forwards on the other end.
The Dutch team however made their last ditch dangerous effort when Pakistani goalie Qasim brilliantly saved another full blooded shot from the Dutch forward Eikelboom, the ball rebounded and the Dutch were again in the state of shock when center half Mohammad Saqlain incredibly saved another powerful blow on the goal line.
The Pakistan team should be thankful to Qasim and Abbas and sympathies to the Dutch side that failed to capitalize on their own weather conditions that they wanted to use for a flaying start for the title defense. The Pakistan team Manager Brig. Khalid Khokar in post match briefing admitted that for the first 20 minutes or so Pakistan team was too defensive but as the boys got used to the match conditions they got better. He admitted that goalie Qasim proved to be the hero of the match for Pakistan.
Pakistan team captain Mohammad Sarwar said he was satisfied from the result, a draw against the World and Olympic champions and hoped to do better as the event moves ahead. Pakistan former captain Shahbaz who remained in midfield for most of the match said that he was short of match practice and will get better and be fully charged for the next years world cup .