Can Pakistan pull off a major upset under Zavisa Milosavljevic?

The Serbian coach has been revelation since taking over the team and Newspakistan analyzes whether the team can pull off a major upset in the upcoming friendlies under his guidance.

In the past, Pakistan has come close to pulling off some major upsets. The 3-2 defeat against Japan is edged in the memories of many Pakistani football fans, while a similarly sensational result against UAE is also note worthy.

Although currently, the Green-Shirts no longer have the same class of local players as before, the foreign contingent has been on the rise. Following the popularity of the sport in the country, many new faces have expressed an interest in playing for the
National team.

Atif Bashir and Adnan Ahmed are undisputed starters, while the likes of Yousuf Butt, Zeeshan Rehman and Hassan Bashir have shown much potential. The current crop of local stars are also talented but their foreign counterparts are definitely more skilled
and have crucial experience of plying their trade at the highest level.

Zavisa has already stated his desire to use foreign players as much as possible and with the PFF looking to secure friendlies against Thailand and UAE, it begs to ask the much needed question. Can the Green-Kickers really churn out a good performance?

Pakistan’s defence was as steady as a rock in recent outings and while the midfield was relatively average, the attack prevented the team from really showing their strength.

A clinical finisher is what the squad needs the most and in Svebölle BI’s Hassan Bashir they have the perfect match. The striker was described by former trainer Tariq Lutfi as a great addition to the team due to his clinical passing and intelligent runs.

If Zavisa calls up Bashir for the friendly games, Pakistan will at least have a chance of scoring. In midfield, Adnan and Atif should continue their partnership while the Kaleemullah should retain his place either on the wing or as an attacker.

Zeeshan Rehman and Nabil Aslam could perhaps form the strongest central-defensive partnership in South Asia and the two should be at least given a chance together.

Zavisa Milosavljevic has vowed to utilize the best players possible for future friendlies and given the talent at his disposal, a giant killing could be on the cards.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=11229

Posted by Shahrukh Sohail on Jan 31 2012. Filed under Pakistan, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry