Pakistan loses 2-1 to Australia in hockey

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NEW DELHI - Pakistani fans ended up having little to cheer about.

Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 12th Men’s Hockey World Cup continued March 8 in New Delhi , as it lost to tournament favourite Australia 2-1 in the last group match.

The dismal performance kept Pakistan, a former four-time world champion, out of this year’s Champions Trophy play.

Only the top six teams worldwide can take part. Leading Australia 1-0 at halftime, Pakistan saw its lead neutralised in the 38th minute when Australian forward Desmond Abbott scored a goal.

Two minutes before the game was over, Desmond knocked in a second field goal to add salt to Pakistan’s wounds.

Penalty-corner specialist Sohail Abbas scored one goal off four penalty-corners. It was Sohail's second goal in the tournament.

Australia controlled the ball most of the time in the first half -- 63% against Pakistan's 37%. Australia penetrated Pakistan's circle 26 times, while Pakistan could manage that feat against Australia only twice.

Pakistan recorded one consolation win in the tournament against Spain, 2-1, but lost to archrival India 4-1, England 5-2 and South Africa 4-3 and Australia.