World record goal scorer Sohail Abbas continued his amazing run as hosts Pakistan came from behind to down New Zealand 3-1 for a second consecutive win in the men's Champions Trophy field hockey here on Sunday. The Netherlands and Spain also recorded their second wins on day two of the elite six-nation tournament at the National Hockey Stadium to set up a three-way tie at the top.
The Dutch, seeking a hat-trick of titles, received a scare from valiant India before winning a high-scoring thriller 5-4. Spain brushed aside Germany's second-string team 5-2.
Sohail Abbas, 28, scored two penalty corners in three minutes to lift Pakistan after Wayne McIndoe had put New Zealand ahead four minutes after the interval.
Shakeel Abbasi equalised for Pakistan before Sohail Abbas' brace increased his world record tally to 271 goals from 220 matches amidst full-throated support from some 20,000 home fans.
"Pakistan took the match away from us between the 50th and 55th minute when they scored three goals," said Kiwi coach Kevin Towns.
"We had our chances but Pakistan showed why they are such a dangerous side."
Pakistan's Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans, delighted at his team's second win, warned the players needed to play well all though the 70 minutes.
"The three games today were all decided in the second half," he said. "It just shows you just can't afford to relax till the end at the top level."
Earlier, the Indians, playing in the elite six-nation tournament only because Olympic champions Australia withdrew due to security concerns, recovered from their 4-0 drubbing by Spain on Saturday to scare the Dutch.
The fast-paced contest produced six goals in the first half which ended with the Netherlands leading 4-2 after conceding an early lead.
India, trailing 5-3 with nine minutes remaining, narrowed the margin through Vikram Pillay but failed to get the equaliser when Arjun Halappa's superb cross from the left was wasted.
The Dutch, looking to make amends for the loss to Australia in the Olympic final in Athens in August, fell behind in the fifth minute when India's Sandeep Michael scored, but Geert Jan Derikx drew level for the Dutch five minutes later.
Taeke Taekema put the Netherlands ahead in the 16th minute, but India equalised through V.S. Vinaya four minutes later.
Teun de Nooijer and Karel Klaver struck in quick succession before the interval to ensure the Dutch crossed over with a 4-2 advantage.
India scored through a penalty stroke by Halappa to make it 4-3 in the 46th minute before Nooijer increased the tally for the Dutch with his second goal in the 61st.
"It was a much improved performance by the team and I am happy they fought till the end," said India's German coach Gerhard Rach.
"Like against Spain we made silly mistakes and allowed the Dutch to take a 4-2 lead.
"With two losses, we are out of the title race, but it is important we play our remaining three games well and do not finish at the bottom."
Dutch coach Terry Walsh conceded a weak defence allowed India to score four goals, but praised his team for showing the mental toughness to win.
"At the end of the day, we have six points in the bag and that counts more," said Walsh.
Spain, held 1-1 till half-time by Germany, pumped in four goals in the second half to maintain their unbeaten record.
Albert Sala starred for the Spaniards with two goals while veteran Juan Escarre, Eduard Arbos and Pau Quemada added to the tally.
Florian Keller scored both goals for the Germans, fielding a fledgling team that contains just two players from the squad that won bronze at the Olympics.
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POINTS TABLE
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Standings P W D L F A Pts
Spain 2 2 0 0 9 2 6
Netherlands 2 2 0 0 10 6 6
Pakistan 2 2 0 0 6 2 6
India 2 0 0 2 4 9 0
New Zealand 2 0 0 2 3 8 0
Germany 2 0 0 2 3 8 0
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December 6: rest day
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Remaining matches:
December 7:
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Spain v New Zealand (10:30 am)
Pakistan v Netherlands (12:30 pm)
India v Germany (02:30 pm)
December 8:
Netherlands v Spain (11:00 am)
Germany v New Zealand (01:00 pm)
Pakistan v India (03:00 pm)
December 10:
Spain v Pakistan (09:00 am)
ew Zealand v India (11:00 am)
Netherlands v Germany (03:00 am)
December 12:
5th/6th place playoff (09:00 am)
3rd/4th place playoff (11:30 am)
Final (02:30 pm)
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