Pakistan make it to FIH Nations Cup semis despite loss

By our correspondent
Kuala Lumpur: Pakistan were lucky to qualify for the semi-finals despite losing to New Zealand 3-4 in their last pool game of the FIH Men’s Hockey Nations Cup at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
After going down to New Zealand in the first game of the day Pakistan had to wait for the outcome of the last Group B show between hosts Malaysia and Japan. Malaysia had to beat Japan by a clear two goals margin to qualify for the semi-finals. They were leading 2-0 but in the fourth quarter Japan struck a goal which helped Pakistan to make it to the last four in the eight-nation contest.
Malaysia also wasted a huge chance just at the stroke of full time and it was heart-breaking for them. Pakistan team, which was witnessing Malaysia-Japan clash, was seen extremely happy with its resurrection.
Pakistan, which finished as runners-up in Group B, will meet Group A winners France in the semi-final while in the other semi-final Group B winners New Zealand will meet Group A runners-up Korea.
The semi-finals will be held on Friday.
The rest of the four nations will play the classification matches for the 5th to 8th place.
Earlier it was the day of New Zealand’s drag-flicker Cosslett Scott, who was in sublime form, scored three superb goals on short corners to play a leading role in New Zealand’s excellent comeback win against Pakistan.
New Zealand took early lead when Nick Woods struck on penalty corner in the seventh minute. Pakistan’s defence and goalkeeper failed to negotiate his powerful drive which went past the left of the keeper.
However, it did not deter Pakistan and it was attacking midfielder Abdul Rehman who scored twice soon afterwards to take Pakistan 2-1 ahead. Rehman hit an equalizer through short corner in the 13th minute and a minute latter he completed his brace with a fine nudge into the far post from the top left flank.
And at the end of the first quarter Pakistan were leading 2-1. Pakistan further stretched their lead via fantastic field goal from Rana Waheed Ashraf who managed it through thick defence to put his team in a strong position with a 3-1 lead by the close of the second quarter.
In the third quarter New Zealand were, too, ruthless in their approach and it was Cosslett Scott who struck twice in the 43rd and 45th minutes of the show to level the clash 3-3.
Scott completed his treble seven minutes from full time through penalty corner to seal the fate of his team which emerged group winners with nine points from three matches.
New Zealand claimed nine penalty corners and converted four of them while Pakistan took just two and converted one.
After holding Malayasia to a 3-3 draw Pakistan had done well by beating Japan 3-2 in their second show to claim three crucial points which helped them in the end.
Ther winners of the event will qualify for the FIH Pro League.