Past perfect present tense, Pakistan hopes to relive old glory

Monchengladbach, Sep 6 (UNI) A highly unpredictable Pakistan will start their hockey World Cup campaign tomorrow against a lowly Japan, hoping to erase the memories of recent debacles and relive the past glory.

Pakistan has the most envious record in the World Cup, having won it four times and ending runners-up twice in the last 10 editions. But going by their current showings, they will have to battle it out against Australia and Spain, besides Argentina and New Zealand, before hoping to make it to the last four.

The former Asian powerhouse's many worry remains their brittle defence.

''Yes, our deep defence has to consolidate. They will have to coordinate well against the fast moving rivals,'' admitted chief coach Shahnaz Sheikh.

Shahnaz, the last minute replacement for Asif Bajwa who was unceremoniously axed after team's debacle in the Champions Trophy, has worked out a special strategy for the purpose and now Sohail Abbas, the main penalty corner exppert, will also be used as sweeper.

'We will go into the match with four forwards after increasing on deep defenders as the rival teams are quite good in scooping the ball and capable of creating problems in the defence,'' the coach explained.

Shahnaz maintains that with a little bit of luck, Pakistan can manage a place in the World Cup semifinals., ''We need one win either against Australia or Spain to make into the semifinals,'' he said.

Shahnaz has tried different combinations and was hopeful that Pakistan will be a different side in the World Cup. With the return of Sohail Abbas and former captain Wasim Ahmed, the side has strengthened the midfield and defence. However, much will depend how forwards Rehan Butt and Shakeel Abbasi will shape up, for they are the two craftiest forwards in the game at present.

Pakistan also have two promising teenagers in their forward line -- Adnan Zafar and Waqas Akbar -- but the side will sorely miss Chakwal-based Mudassar Ali Khan, their principle schemer who is down with hamstring injury.

Pakistan have been drawn in pool A with Argentina, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Spain.

UNI HSB AY BS1756