The equation leaves little room for error for Pakistan. They need a victory to remain in contention, while India can secure progression to the next round with a draw. Against that backdrop, Samiullah believes Pakistan’s first task must be to withstand India’s early pressure and prevent their opponents from earning set-piece opportunities.
Pakistan hockey great Samiullah Khan has urged his country to deny India an early foothold when the arch-rivals meet in a crucial FIH World Cup pool clash on Wednesday, identifying penalty-corner defence as one of the keys to Pakistan keeping their campaign alive.
Recalling Pakistan’s famous 7-1 victory over India at the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi, Samiullah admitted even that landmark result was eventually overshadowed. The former Pakistan international, nicknamed the ‘Flying Horse’ during his playing days for his speed, also wants the side to be more positive when they regain possession rather than inviting pressure by repeatedly recycling the ball backwards. “My suggestion to the midfielders is to advance towards the goal instead of passing backwards.
The forwards will have to score through diagonal and interchange passes,” he said. “We thought this record would never be broken, but Pakistan lost to India 10-2 at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games,” he said.
Beyond the immediate battle, Samiullah pointed towards India’s rise over the past decade as an example of what Pakistan need to replicate. He credited India with building greater depth and strengthening key areas of their game through sustained planning. “India improved its system, expanded its player pool, improved penalty corners and deep defence, and its players are now earning well.
“I would advise Pakistan captain to keep a compact defence and not concede any penalty corners to India in the first quarter,” Samiullah told PTI. In Pakistan, our federations lack long-term vision and set small goals,” Samiullah said.
