Sportslinkpk Latest Sports News in English
India were urged to control their emotions after a bad-tempered Commonwealth Games hockey clash with Pakistan ended in a thrilling draw on Saturday — with the video referee proving crucial.
India were 2-1 up with just seconds left when Pakistan twice went to the video referrals to earn penalty corners, the second of which was buried by 20-year-old Ali Mubashar.
Two green cards and four yellow cards were brandished in what proved a typically spiky match between the arch-rivals.
“We were not happy with the performance. We wanted to win this game. We are disappointed with the result,” said defender Rupinder Pal Singh, slamming India´s lack of discipline.
“That´s disloyalty to the team, and that´s where we need to control our emotions. Sometimes we are so aggressive in our tackles.”
India´s Dilpreet Singh scored the opener before penalty corner specialist Harmanpreet Singh put them 2-0 up with a trademark drag flick.
But Muhammad Irfan gave Pakistan a lifeline early in the second half when he tapped in after a counter-attack.
“To come back from 2-0 is a team effort,” said Pakistan midfielder Muhammed Rizwan.
“It´s a learning process, as there are lots of new guys, and we´ve only been with our coach for two-and-a-half weeks.”