England came out on top to beat Pakistan despite a brief fightback from the Asian side.

By Adarsh Vinay

European champions England made it three wins out of three in the World Cup after overcoming Pakistan 5-2 in a high-volatile clash at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Thursday evening.

Jonty Clarke and Ashley Jackson gave England a two-nil half-time lead, before goals from Shakeel Abbasi and Rehan Butt helped Pakistan pull level. But Barry Middleton scored a brace and Clarke added one more to ensure that England took all three points.

England had the ball in the back of the net as early as the third minute. A deflected Ben Hawes cross was slammed in by Iain Mackay with a cricket-like pull-shot. The referee had the goal ruled out, citing dangerous play.

But when England finally opened the scoring, it was no less spectacular. James Tindall controlled a high ball on the left flank and sent it into the Pakistani circle. Clarke dived full stretch to turn it goal-wards in the 21st minute.

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Despite a sustained spell of pressure from Pakistan where they won a couple of penalty corners, England struck again. Jackson scored off skipper Middleton’s pass to make it 2-0 in the 32nd minute.

Pakistani came out stronger in the second half. They attacked relentlessly and halved the deficit in the 45th minute. After a mix-up in the English defence, Abbasi showed some individual skill as he rounded England keeper James Fair before scoring.

The goal breathed some life into the game. Pakistan started attacking with real intent and won a penalty corner two minutes later. Though Fair did well to parry the shot, Muhammad Zubair sent the ball back into the circle and Butt did the rest.

Englishman Richard Mantell dislocated his right ankle during the penalty corner. He was stretchered-off and will miss the rest of the tournament.

With the scores level, tempers flared and while Mantell was receiving treatment, Abbasi exchanged heated words with the English dug-out.

The injury spurred the Europeans forward and from there on, it was all England. They reclaimed the lead in the 53rd minute. Richard Alexander’s pass found Middleton free and the English captain did the rest.

They doubled their advantage ten minutes later. Man of the match Clarke’s reverse flick from a narrow angle was too fast for Pakistan keeper Salman Akbar to react in time.

Clarke then turned provider in the 65th minute. He fed Middleton at the goalmouth, who guided it past the hapless Akbar.

The win took England’s winning streak in World Cup ties to six. Pakistan, who have won only one of their three matches in the tournament, are effectively out.