'Weak defence the bane of India, Pak'

Former hockey greats have warned that Pakistan had to shore up the backline to keep its World Cup aspirations alive.

Former hockey greats have said that a weak defence has let India down in the World Cup so far and warned that Pakistan had to shore up the backline to keep its title aspirations alive.

HT Image

"India has suffered in the competition because of a weak defence and we should avoid this happening to us," former Pakistan star Islahuddin Siddiqui said.

India is out of contention for a place in the semi-finals after being held to a draw by South Africa yesterday but Islahuddin said Baskaran's team had played well in the earlier games.

Legends Hasan Sardar and Hanif Khan lamented that Pakistan had dropped valuable points in their 4-4 draw with New Zealand after beating Japan 4-0 in the opening match.

"These points matter a lot in the end, especially when you come face to face with the stronger teams," Islahuddin told PTI.

"Losing two vital points against New Zealand was a setback for the team after they played a 4-4 draw," Sardar said.

"The Pakistan team must produce their best in the coming games to qualiy for the semifinals," he stressed.

Sardar noted that the defenders were leaving a lot of gaps which were being exploited by the opponents.

Hanif Khan said the defence needed to be compact and there should be good understanding among the players.

"When the pressure is on, it is good communication between the midfield and deep defence that saves the day."

Pakistan last won the World Cup under the captaincy of Shahbaz Ahmed in 1994 in Sydney but since then it has gone without a major title.