Youth Olympic Hockey: Singapore boys exceed expectations despite 1-4 loss to powerhouse Pakistan

Story by Alan Chiang/Red Sports. Photos by Tan Jon Han/Red Sports

Sengkang Hockey Stadium, Friday, August 20, 2010 — Singapore’s hockey boys put up a strong fight before going down 1-4 to Asian champion Pakistan in their third game of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) hockey competition.

Singapore were able to enjoy a one-goal lead for the majority of the first half only for Pakistan to sneak in an equalising goal three minutes before the break.

Singapore knew that they would need to step up a gear if they were to overturn the two previous losses against Australia and Belgium. On the other hand, Pakistan were on a roll after two successive wins against Ghana (6-3) and Chile (15-1).

But against the hosts in the first half, Pakistan did not look a bit like how they thumped Chile in their last match. The Pakistianis were disorientated and were shouting at each other. They only began to seize control in the second half when Pakistan’s Muhammad Rizwan (#8), Muhammad Arslan Qadir (#11) and Muhammad Suleman (#14) poured in the goods. Pakistan also managed to deny Singapore a chance to spark a revival despite having two men suspended with yellow cards towards the end of the game.

Singapore had their fair share of chances in the game. Decisive passing and close control allowed Singapore to gain maximum possession and they were rewarded through Mohd Haseef (#4) after over 25 minutes of play, to lead 1-0. Haseef had a couple of early chances but only managed to capitalize on the fifth penalty corner after breaking through Pakistan’s tough resistance.

Singapore’s Silas Abdul Razak Noor Shah (#9) and Mohd Fadzly Mohamed Adam (#10) also saw their efforts well kept out by Pakistan’s goalkeeper Mazhar Abbas. Singapore’s captain Nur Ashriq Ferdaus Zulkepli (#6) and Muhammad Shafiq Abdul Rashid (#15) also provided energetic runs to lead the host nation’s frontline. However, Pakistan’s disciplined defence was able to neutralize their hard work.

To lead by example, Pakistan’s captain Syed Kashif Shah (#10) created chances at goal. His teammate Muhammad Rizwan (#8) was also a constant threat among the Singapore’s backline. But their real chance only materialized in the final four minutes of the first half. Pakistan’s Ahmed Zubair (#2) converted a penalty stroke to level the score at 1-1, after Singapore’s Haseef had appeared to handle the ball at the goal line.

Singapore started the second half with vast possession but the lack of finishing touches in the box prevented a scoring spree. Instead, it was Pakistan, the Asian powerhouse who showed true grit and determination. Muhammad Arslan Qadir (#11) gave Pakistan a 2-1 lead when he scored on his second attempt after Singapore had failed to clear the ball out of their box.

Although Singapore’s Muhammad Shafiq (#15) was brought on after ten minutes into the second half to inject the much-needed pace upfront, he could not apply the final touch to spark a revival for the hosts while his teammate, Mohd Haseef (#4), also failed to convert the penalty corners.

Four minutes later, Pakistan were presented with an easy goal through Muhammad Suleman (#14) after Singapore’s goalkeeper Samudra Ong (#1) fumbled at the goal mouth. With a two-goal deficit, Singapore needed to make the most out of playing against nine-men Pakistan team after two Pakistanies were awarded a yellow card each.

However, Singapore did not capitalize on the advantage even though they had a number of good attacking plays. Pakistan even managed to score through Muhammad Rizwan (#8), who combined well with teammate Muhammad Arslan (#11) to increase Pakistan’s lead to 4-1 with less than eight minutes remaining. By then, Singapore were certainly out of contention to ignite a revival.

Nonetheless, Singapore’s coach Gerard Danker felt that the team had exceeded his expectation. He said, “The boys played really well and they showed great determination and fighting spirit. I am very proud of them. To be able to match up to an Asian powerhouse like Pakistan is a great achievement.”

Singapore’s Muhammad ‘Nitro’ Shafiq (#15) shared, “We have put our hearts to this game and it is always a challenge to play against the Asian champion (Pakistan).”

Commenting on his motivated attacking plays, Shafiq said: “My nickname ‘Nitro’ describes my style of play – to run fast and I have been running since very young. I joined hockey since Secondary One as I thought my energetic runs can help to improve the game.”

Looking ahead, coach Gerard Danker is hoping for the hosts to take some points from the last two games, but is remaining cautious. Coach Danker revealed: “We have two players injured in this game (against Pakistan) and it is important to have all 16 players available for every game.”

Singapore will take on Chile, who have also lost all three matches, in their next match on August 21st, 8.30pm at Sengkang Hockey Stadium Pitch 1.