Pakistan kick-off Hockey World Cup campaign against Germany today

BHUBANESWAR: Four-time world champions Pakistan will open their Hockey World Cup campaign against Germany today (Saturday) in Bhubaneswar, India.

Ranked 13th, Pakistan will be hoping to kick-start the tournament with a win after a chaotic build-up to the World Cup.

Pakistan have failed to reach the semi-final of the mega-event since 1994. The Germans will start as favourites against Pakistan who are ranked seven places below.

Both sides have met eight times in the World Cup with Pakistan winning five of their encounters (including the penalty shootout win at 1994 semi-final) and Germany coming out on top in the other three. In 1982 they came across twice, in a pool game and the final.

In 1973 Germany beat Pakistan 1-0 in the third-place playoff game, while Pakistan beat Germany 5-1 in the semi-final of the 1975 event. In the semi-final of the 1978 World Cup Pakistan defeated Germany 1-0.

In 1982, World Cup pool game Pakistan beat Germany 5-3 repeating the feat again in the final to lift the title 3-1.

The 1990 tournament saw Germany beating Pakistan 1-0 while Pakistan beat Germany on a penalty shootout in the semi-final of the 1994 World Cup.

The last time these two met was during the 2002 World Cup where Germany defeated Pakistan 3-2.

This year’s mega-event is being held in Bhubaneswar, India and features hosts India, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, Malaysia, Netherlands, Spain, New Zealand and Pakistan and will continue till December 16.

The match between Pakistan and Germany will start at 6:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time.