LUCKNOW, INDIA, Jan 21, Reuter: Pakistan and the Netherlands won their semifinals easily on Saturday to set up a showdown clash in the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup Men’s Hockey Tournament.
Defending Champions Pakistan had a morale boosting 30 win over historical rivals India, while the Dutch, who won the Inaugural tournament two years ago, brushed Kenya aside 41.
The Kenyans fought hard, but rarely Tooked in the same class as the Dutch, who went ahead in the seventh minute when Maurits Cruco scored after a rebound.
Kenya equalized in the 21st minute when George Jalango trapped a free hit inside the circle and quickly rapped the ball past Dutch goalkeeper Frank Leistra.
But the second half belonged to the Duich. Marc Delissen scored a penalty in the 42nd minute after being brought down. Erik Parlevliet added 2 third seven minutes later after robbing goalkeeper Paul Seweomany.
Cruco rounded off the scoring in the 57th minute, cracking home during a scramble following a penalty corner.
Pakistan always looked too good for India, who lacked pace, imagination and the ability to make the telling final pass.
It took Pakistan just seven minutes to take the lead through Wasim Feroze, who cracked home after a shot rebounded from Goalkeeper Ashish Ballal’s pads.
Pakistan Keeper Mansoor Ahmed made a brilliant diving save from a Jude Felix penalty flick to preserve his side’s lead at the interval and that the closest India went to scoring.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 27, 1989
