Socca Federation World Cup: Pakistan played confidently against Russia: Ishaq Shah

The result doesn't justify the efforts Pakistan put in the last game against unbeaten Group 'B' team Russia in the ongoing International Socca Federation (ISF) World Cup underway here, says COO Leisure Leagues Pakistan (LLP) Ishaq Shah.
Leisure Leagues Pakistan (LLP) has been the organization behind establishing Pakistan Socca team and making it possible for the side to feature in the small-sided football inaugural World Cup. It has also played a major role in establishing ISF and CEO World Group, which owns Leisure Leagues Pakistan, Shahzaib Trunkwala is also ISF Vice President. Trunkwala was also the chief guest during the opening tournament of the exciting tournament.
Although Pakistan lost the game against Russia by 5-0 score but Ishaq Shah said that the men in green put a stronger show in their third outing as compared to the previous two. Pakistan has lost previous two games against the European sides Spain and Moldova.
"Russia has been the toughest side in the group. Russians didn't even concede a single goal in three matches and it has also defeated Spain 3-0. Our team put a strong show against them," Shah said. Shah added that Pakistan players played confidently and also created few chances but failed to convert. He conceded that Russia has been a very strong side.
Meanwhile, Team Manager Zabe Khan said that Russia has been tournament favorites and the victory has been anticipated. "But our young players fought bravely against Russia. There's no denying that we lost all games but overall we performed well if one considers our international standing in the international arena. Things will get better as we put efforts with the passage of time," he said.
As compared with neighboring India, which is ranked 102 places above Pakistan in the FIFA rankings, Pakistan completed the group matches with a negative 16 goal difference while India has a negative goal difference of 24 goals. Egypt, which is ranked 64th in the international circuit, ended the group matches with a goal difference of 25 goals.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Coach Tariq Lutfi said that it has been a learning experience for the team and it would come better prepared in the next edition and would put stronger show then. "Pressure of international games is different then playing at home and only results can't be used to judge the standard of a team alone. The side would perform better in international events to come as they have now gained the experience of playing abroad," he said.
Pakistan had been placed in Group 'B' along with tough football playing nations Spain, Russia and Moldova in the 32-team Six-a-side tournament. Russia and Moldova have made it to Last-16 round from Group 'B'. Spain and Pakistan has been eliminated.
After playing matches against one another in the group, two top teams from each group will qualify for last-16 knockout round. From here, teams would progress to quarterfinals, semifinals and eventually final, which will be played on September 29.