Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament: Pakistan loses third successive match
The hosts Netherlands recorded its second win in three matches in the 37th and farewell edition of Champions Trophy at Breda on Tuesday. The Netherlands scored twice in second and fourth quarters to inflict 4-0 defeat upon Pakistan.
It was third successive defeat for Pakistan in the tournament so far. Intriguingly, it was Pakistan that had mooted the idea of holding Champions Trophy, an annual event for top six teams of the World. And in the last edition of the tournament, Pakistan has suffered two big defeats in all three losses. Pakistan lost to both India and the Netherlands by an identical 4-0 margin and went down fighting to World champions Australia 1-2.
The Netherlands, who started the tournament with a 1-2 reverse at the hands of Olympic champions Argentina, have staged an impressive come back defeating olympic finalist Belgium 6-1 and Pakistan 4-0.
While Pakistan is virtually out of contention for the final, Olympic runner-up Belgium, too, have to win remaining two games to stay in the hunt.
Earlier, Olympic finalists Argentina and Belgium played 1-1 draw.
After a barren first half, Kemperman gave the Netherlands lead in the 25th minute. Before the teams broke for half time, the Netherlands consolidated the lead with a goal from Verga.
Thijs van Dam (47th minute) and Mirco Pruijser (50th minute) completed the tally for the Netherlands in the fourth quarter.
