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12-05 Aussie newcomers ready to take on Pakistan

2010-05-12 21:05:00

FIVE-time champions Australia will have to find their winning ways if they are to make the final on Sunday.

And it begins today with the match against Pakistan. The world champions are in a tight spot after a 3-4 defeat by India on Monday. They have six points from wins over Egypt (6-0) and Malaysia (2-1).

Australia will also be up against South Korea, who together with Pakistan are still in contention for a place in the final. The Australians also have a match against China.

Assistant coach Graham Reid said that the relatively young Australian side would be back on their feet for the match against Pakistan.

“Pakistan have many changes in the team and are also a relatively young side. We’ll see how they fare,” he said.

“Against India, we did not play well and lost focus. There were ample chances for us to score and the fact that we didn’t take them showed inexperience in the players.

“But we are where we want to be and this tournament offers us the best possible situation to expose new players. We are pleased with what we have seen of them.”

Pakistan coach K.M. Junaid said that Australia were still the team to beat in the tournament.

“We defeated South Korea but that does not mean we are ready for the big boys. There is still a long way to go and I will be happy if my players learn and improve with each game,” he said.

“We have so many national juniors in our ranks and you cannot expect results overnight. But I can say that we are heading in the right direction. We want to see the players perform to their potential and there is no pressure on them.”

Pakistan, who also lost to India, have four points from a win and a draw.

The Star