Pakistan in last eight after 20 years, thanks to Arbaz

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan reached their first quarter-finals in 20 years in the junior hockey World Cup, thanks to debutant Arbaz Ahmad (pic, right).

The 19-year-old was as cool as cucumber as he converted a penalty corner in the 42nd minute to give his team a 1-1 draw against Belgium in the last Group D match and set up a match against Spain in the quarter-finals at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

Pakistan only needed a point to reach the last eight while Belgium had to win.

Belgium had taken an early lead through a penalty corner by Jack Vloeberghs in the third minute but could not score more goals in a tight game and Arbaz struck to break their hearts.

Pakistan have reached the last eight for the first time since 1993 where they finished runners-up to Germany.

They are now second in Group D with five points – two behind leaders Holland.

“I’m so happy to score the goal that we needed in my debut World Cup,” said Arbaz.

“It was a high stakes game against a very tough Belgium team but I didn’t let the pressure affect me.

“I had played in the senior team a few times and knew how to handle the pressure. I hope to keep playing an important role in the next matches,” he added.

Pakistan’s Dutch-born coach Roelant Oltmans was delighted with his team for punching above their weight.

“I’m proud of the boys for making it to the quarter-finals after so many years,” said Oltmans.

“We were the underdogs in the group behind Holland and Belgium but we managed to defy the odds.

“We didn’t get off to a good start in the match (against Belgium) but the boys defended fantastically after conceding and didn’t allow Belgium many chances to score again.”

Oltmans acknowledged that his side have another tough task against Spain.

“It will no doubt be a very tough game. We have to analyse their game well and come up with the tactics that will help us,” said Oltmans.