A determined Pakistan steamrolled world champions Germany 5-0 to set up a summit clash against Australia on Sunday in the Rabo Trophy hockey tournament in Amstelveen, on Friday.
Pakistan took firm control of the proceedings denying their opponents any territorial advantage throughout the game. Leading 1-0 at the break, Pakistan scored twice through winger Rehan Butt and once apiece from Mudassar Ali Khan, Shabbir Hussain and skipper Muhammad Saqlain.
The gameplan of coach Asif Bajwa was apparent as Pakistan went into the attack mode from the start, forcing two penalty corners in the opening minutes. However, the attempts by Imran Warsi and Mohammad Imran failed to beat German custodian Ulrich Bubolz.
Pakistan opened the scoring in the 18th minute when inside forward Mudassar found the mark from atop the circle after a rebound. They frittered away a couple of chances before the break when first midfielder Adnan Maqsood missed with only the goalkeeper to beat, followed by skipper Saqlain missing a sitter.
Germany were pedestrian in their onslaughts as the rival midfield and defence rose to the occasion. After the break Pakistan appeared vibrant and despite the continuous downpour, demolished Germany with an immaculate showing of fluency amongst their forwards. It was a nonstop purple patch as they unleashed their speed and skill, pumping in four goals against the hapless Germany.
Butt increased the tally deflecting an indirect from Imran's flick in the 46th minute and to the delight of their bench and local support winger Shabbir Hussain put the issue beyond doubt five minutes later.
With Spain also on seven points, Pakistan needed to win by at least three goals in this game to advance to the final. It was rampage thereafter for Pakistan as they further consolidated the lead with an unmarked Saqlain fiercely reverse hitting past Bubolz in the 57th minute.
The Pakistan blitzkrieg was complete when Rehan Butt again got the final touch from a penalty corner rebound in the 65th minute.
Pakistan will now clash with Olympic Champions Australia in the final on Sunday, while South Korea will play Spain for the bronze.