Pakistan stun Netherlands, storms into Champions Trophy semis

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Dec 11, 2014 at 2:42 PM

Odisha Sun Times Sports Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Dec 11:

Pakistan stormed into the semi-final of the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy after they stunned the 2012 Olympics silver medalist Netherlands by 4-2 goals in an exciting quarterfinal at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha’s capital today.

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It was first win of Pakistan over the Dutch in the Champions Trophy in 12 attempts since 1998.

The Netherlands got off to a flying start with Jeroen Hertzberger scoring the first goal in the 6^th minute.

However, Pakistan scored the equalizer through Muhammad Bhutta in the 16^th minute. Bhutta scored the second goal in the final minute before half-time.

In the second half, the Dutch team scored the equalizer through Constantinjn Janker.

With the game locked at 2-2, Pakistani captain Mohammad Irfan converted two penalty corners in the 51^st and 52^nd minute and took the game away from the Netherlands.

With this win, there is a possibility of a semifinal match between Pakistan and India should the hosts beat Belgium in the day’s last knockout fixture.