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Karachi: Germany is out of title race after Pakistan players put up a brave fight and conceded a close 2-3 defeat – which was not enough for the defending champion to stay in the run for title of 2nd Socca World Cup, underway in Crete Greece.
According to information made available here, defending champion Germany needed a big victory against Pakistan with at least six goals difference to stay in the run for title.
But the players in green put up an impressive show and displayed aggressive game to keep Germany, a well-known football playing nation, on tenterhooks throughout the match played at Leisure Leagues Ground in Crete.
Pakistan started the match on equal terms. Although Germany took the lead in the 14th minute with J. Ademeit scoring the goal, Pakistan’s hero of the match, Mohammad Waheed produced equalizer in the 22nd minute to level arrears.
N. Kühle put Germany again ahead scoring in the 24th minute. D. Reinold increased the lead to 3-1 37th minute but young Waheed, who has been selected in Pakistan’s U-19 squad, again came to Pakistan’s rescue scoring his second goal in the 42nd minute. Pakistan U-19 team will be playing Asian U-19 Championship next month.
Pakistan made many advances to find an equalizer without success in the remaining part of the game. However, the Asian country has been highly praised for their courageous game against a tough opponent, who had clinched the first edition of the Socca World Cup last year in Portugal.
Germany managed five points from all of its four outings in Group ‘H’. Hungary has confirmed its second round place with consecutive victories accumulating six points in two games. Romania and Slovenia are now vying for the remaining one spot from Group ‘H’ to progress into the next stage. Germany and Pakistan have been eliminated from the title race from Group ‘H’.
Pakistan will play its last match on Thursday evening against top Group ‘H’ team Hungary.
In other matches, Hungary beat Romania 4-3; Kazakhstan defeated Nigeria 6-0; Bulgaria overpowered Cyprus 6-0; France trounced India 7-0; Croatia defeated Colombia 5-0; Russia defeated Spain 3-1; Slovakia beat Nigeria 4-0; Scotland and China match ended in a 1-1 draw; Egypt drew its match against host Greece 2-2.