Bhubaneswar : Four-time champions Pakistan produced a lion-hearted performance before going down 0-1 to Olympic bronze medallist Germany in their opening Pool D match of the men’s hockey World Cup here on Sunday.
It is a creditable result for Pakistan considering the fact that the nation did not have a great build up to the tournament.
There were doubts over Pakistan’s participation due to lack of funds and only a last minute sponsorship deal with Haier made it possible for them to make the trip.
One of the most celebrated teams of yesteryears, Pakistan hockey has been on a decline over the last few decades and they also suffer from lack of exposure.
Currently ranked world no. 13, Pakistan gave a tough fight to the world no. 6 Germans by holding them till the 36th minute.
The only goal of the match was scored by Germany’s Marco Miltkau in the 36th minute.
With Pakistan in action, it was a highly-anticipated encounter for the hockey fans of the city, especially after the neighbour’s indecent behaviour during the 2014 Champions Trophy.
But the crowd behaved in a mature way, supporting the good moves of both the teams.
It was all about defending for Pakistan in the first two quarters and they did that stoutly, denying the little chances Germany created in the opening 30 minutes.