Cup Tracker

The ideal replacements

New Zealands campaign received a blow even before it could start when their striker Simon Child pulled out citing security as one of the reasons. There were no such worries for Childs replacement Priyesh Bhana. I have been here before, said Bhana,a New Zealander of Indian origin. I made my international debut in India in Chandigarh last year. Besides I am an Indian and know about the country. So security was not an issue for me. In fact,Bhana says he also spoke to a few of his team mates and told them India was safe. The 24-year-old from New Zealand justified his last-minute inclusion on Monday,scoring an equaliser after his team had conceded early.

Fastest goal 

The New Zealand- Canada match,the second on Monday,saw the fastest goal 40 sec being scored in the tournament. The Pakistan- Spain match,the second on Tuesday,witnessed the slowest strike in the event so far. And it took a blunder from a Spaniard to break the deadlock. Inside the striking circle,Abdul Haseem tried to pass the ball to Rehan Butt but Xavie Ribas intercepted,only to deflect the ball into his goal.