London: Pakistan hockey team started their 2012 London Olympics campaign with a 1-1 draw against Spain—the 2008 Olympic silver medallists.
Pakistan missed many scoring chances after surviving sustained Spanish attacks in the first half.
A Spanish goal was negated in the second half after the umpire had blown the whistle and pointed to the centre.
Spain had the rival goal under intense pressure in the Group A encounter when the Pakistan defenders were unable to clear the ball for 10 minutes.
Pakistan were unlucky that striker Mohammad Rizwan twice faltered after getting into goal-scoring positions and a rising drag flick from skipper Sohail Abbas got deflected out after hitting the cross-piece, PTI reported.
Pakistan had finished last among seven nations in the Azlan Shah Cup two months ago.
After a goalless first session, Pakistan broke the deadlock when Rehan Butt slammed the ball into the board on a pass from Haseem Khan in the 46th minute.
But within a minute, Spain’s Pau Quemada scored the equaliser.
A Spanish goal was overturned after video referral later on when Pakistan protested against a striker swinging the stick to slam a rising ball into the net.
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