ISLAMABAD: Pakistan scraped through to the semi-finals of the Nations Cup Hockey on a goal difference after tasting a narrow 4-3 defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the last group match. Pakistan were leading 3-1 at the end of the second half and could not maintain the lead as New Zealand struck three goals within 12 minutes to snatch the lead from Pakistan.
Scott Cosslett netted all the three goals on penalty corners to perform hat-trick. Abdul Rehman struck a brace, scoring in 13th and 14th minute to give Pakistan early lead with Rana Waheed Ashraf netting the third.
Earlier, Wood reduced the margin for New Zealand. It was all left to the final match between Malaysia and Japan to decide the semis-finals fate. Malaysia required a two-goal margin win or 5-4 win to edge out Pakistan for a place in the semis. It was all going well for the host team as they were leading 2-0 at the end of third quarter. Japan bounced back strongly to score through Yamasaki Koji to the delight of Pakistan players watching in the stands.
Japan got a good opportunity to score. They were awarded a penalty stroke but the TV umpire converted it to a free hit. However, the score stayed that way with Malaysia emerging 2-1 winners but failing to make it to the semis. June 20 semis will see Pakistan taking on France in the first semi-final with Korea playing New Zealand in the second.
