BIRMINGHAM: A day after Pakistan’s crushing 7-0 loss to Australia, coach Siegfried Aikman says it was a learning experience for his team.
Australia ended Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the Commonwealth Games semi-finals on Thursday night, with Jeremy Hayward and Tom Wickham scoring twice apiece at the University of Birmingham.
Pakistan, who needed to win by two goals to overtake South Africa in second place, will now face Canada in a classification match for 7th-8th place, while Australia proceeded to a last-four matchup with hosts England.
“We had a tremendous opponent yesterday in Australia, the current world number two,” Aikman stated in a short tweet on Friday. “A fantastic challenge and learning opportunity.”
Pakistan started as though they intended to win, putting Australia, who have won gold in all six Commonwealth Games editions since the sport was introduced, under pressure.
Australian goalkeeper Andrew Charter denied Pakistan three attempts, twice in quick succession in general play and once from an accompanying penalty corner.
But once Australia took the lead in the 12th minute through Blake Glovers, there was no turning back.
When given with an open goal, Glovers obliged, Jake Whetton toying with the baseline before his ball to Wickham was slapped across the face to Govers.
