Triple blows

This was not a match without incident. Sohail Abbas equalled Dutchman Paul Litjens8217; world record of 267 international goals, Dilip Tirk...

This was not a match without incident. Sohail Abbas equalled Dutchman Paul Litjens8217; world record of 267 international goals, Dilip Tirkey got hit on the cheekbone by an Abbas rocket. And off the field Gerhard Rach succumbed to the weather and, possibly, the tension.

None of these, however, could lift this first match of the series 8212; the first in India between these two teams in five years 8212; from the very ordinary. The hosts, it seemed, had left their sparkling form, their aggression, across the border; the visitors had brought along a gameplan that borrowed heavily from Italian football.

A pity, because the crowds 8212; singing, chanting, waving flags 8212; deserved better.

The game started on a cautious note it rarely managed to rise above. Pakistan won a penalty corner in the second minute but failed to convert. They took lead three minutes later, when a brilliant pass by Mudassar Ali found an unmarked Kashif Jawwad on the left, who slotted the ball in.

That was perhaps the only bright spot in the first half. The Indian forwards, who had surprised everyone with their compact game in Pakistan, could not avail any of the several chances that came their way. Sandeep Michael in particular had a bad day, twice failing to trap the ball in front of goal within seven minutes.

Arjun Halappa and Tushar Khandekar, having earned high praise from coach Rach, rarely tested the opposition custodian. Vivek Gupta in the midfield was also a letdown after some commendable performances.

The scoreline seems emphatic but, to an extent, flatters Pakistan. Their defence did hold up well but in a defensive match that was to be expected. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that the better organised defence on the day won.

The second half did see some open attacking play but, in a game of 70 minutes, 5-10 minutes of action was just not enough. And there were several more missed chances to pay for. Eventually, when Pakistan got a penalty stroke in the 65th minute, all hopes were lost. Sohail Abbas converted to make it 3-1 and equal Litjens8217; record.

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The only bright spot for India from the match was a reiteration of the obvious: that Dilip Tirkey is still the best defender the team can have, and Adrian D8217;Souza continues to cement his place as the first-choice goalkeeper with every match. That Tirkey will most likely sit out the next match after suffering injuries on the wrist and face will give Rach cause for concern.

After the match, a visibly relaxed Sohail said: 8216;8216;I don8217;t think of personal milestones, but the record equalling win having come against India, in India, is definitely special.8217;8217;

And Pakistan coach Oltmans revealed: 8220;we controlled the game, defended well, and also kept looking out for scoring chances. The deep defence held up, and playing Wasim in a different position worked.8221;

Being just a match away from retaining their dominance of bilateral series against India, Pakistan can afford to experiment with their squad. India, though, need to pull up their socks and deliver if they want to keep any hopes alive of winning, or even squaring, the series.