Pihlak began playing football as a school pupil in
Pelgulinn, but his studies and sporting aspirations were interrupted by his voluntary participation in the
Estonian War of Independence, where he served on the
armoured train No. 2. After the war, Pihlak was invited to play for
Tallinna Kalev. He was initially a defender, until his attacking talent was discovered by coach
Antal Mally. Pihlak made his unofficial debut for Austria Wien in December 1928 during their tour in Italy. He retired from football in 1934, after he had been injured in a car accident the previous year, when his truck was hit by an oncoming train at an
Ülemiste intersection. == International career ==