(28 July 1996; Day 09)
Nobody could have predicted this before the 1996 Olympic Games began. Pakistan entered as the world's top-ranked squad and had just won a World Cup championship. India had an experienced squad and was expected to contend for its first gold medal since 1980. As Pool A play closed on Sunday, the two most decorated countries in men's hockey in Olympic Games history were just playing for pride.
The two countries met Friday night in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. A sellout crowd of 15,000 showed up at Morris Brown College to cheer their respective teams on to victory. But there was a strange feel to the game. Pakistan had already been eliminated from medal contention. India was on the bubble. Everyone knew this game was more for honor than medals.
Despite the boisterous crowd cheering on the offenses, the defenses ruled as neither team could score in a 0-0 deadlock. The result was simple: one point for each team and India's chances at a medal were dashed.
"It's heartbreaking," said India coach Cedric D'SOUZA on being eliminated. "But we missed too many chances to score in this tournament."
"The competition has been very tough," added Pakistan coach Jahangir BUTT. "And we have not been able to maintain the standard."
So as both teams walked off of the field Friday night, both knew their mission for the final game of pool play was clear: Play the role of the spoiler. Pakistan did just that Sunday morning when it eliminated Argentina with a 6-2 rout. India received a measure of redemption on Sunday night in a 3-1 victory over previously undefeated Spain. Ironically, it was India's best offensive showing of the tournament after being held to just five goals in the previous four games.
Pakistan and India now must prepare for a crossover consolation match against a yet-to-be-determined opponent, rather than a possible meeting in a gold-medal game. Hockey is one of the main passions of the people of both India and Pakistan. During these Olympic Games, their passions have been reduced to pride and pride alone.
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Kevin Henry.
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| Pin trading was one of the most popular Olympic sports, with more than 1.2 million pins changing hands during the Games in the Coca Cola Pin Trading Center at Centennial Olympic Park. |