Pakistan edge Japan to get closer to semis berth

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Pakistan improved their chances of earning a place in the Nations Cup Hockey semi-finals with a 4-3 win against Japan in their second outing at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) Monday.

Pakistan came back from 2-1 deficit to emerge winners leaving Japan on the cusp of going out of the tournament. It was Japan’s second successive defeat as they tasted 2-1 defeat earlier at the hands of New Zealand.

Pakistan started their second match of the Nations Cup against Japan on a high, striking the opening goal through Ghazanfar Ali in the 9th minute which was equalized by Matsumoto Kazimasa next minute. Japan’s Yamasaki Koji converted a penalty corner two minutes later to give Japan a 2-1 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Following a barren second quarter, Pakistan struck the equalizer through Rana Waheed Ashraf to make it 2-2 in the third quarter. Penalty corner specialist Sufyan Khan then banged the board in 53rd minute to give Pakistan 3-2 lead that stayed till the end despite some aggressive style of hockey played by Japan. Pakistan also got their opportunities but were unable to increase their lead.

France checked into the semi-finals from Group A with their second successive win, beating South Africa 2-1. Earlier, France defeated Korea 6-5 on the opening day. New Zealand also confirmed their place in the semi-finals from Group B beating Malaysia 4-3.

Malaysia were leading 3-0 at one point with New Zealand coming back strongly to make it 4-3. Pakistan now only need a draw against New Zealand on Wednesday to make it to the semis. A win against New Zealand will see Pakistan going on top of the table.

Hosts Malaysia now require a big win in their last match against Japan. However, before the last match scenario will be much clearer as Pakistan will lock horns with New Zealand in the penultimate match of the Pool engagements Wednesday.

With four points, Pakistan are currently occupying second position on the points table in Group B behind the New Zealand team having six points. Malaysia have just one point with Japan yet to open their account. In Group A, France with two wins of two matches are at No 1 with six points followed by Korea with three points. Wales and South Africa have one point each from two matches.