NEW DEHLI — A 5-2 victory by England March 4 likely killed Pakistan’s hopes to reach the semi-finals of the 12th Men’s Hockey World Cup in New Delhi.
- Pakistan hockey player Rehan Butt (No. 16, left) celebrates a goal as English hockey player Richard Mantell (far right) reacts in pain during their March 4 World Cup 2010 match in New Delhi. England won 5-2. [PRAKASH SINGH/AFP/Getty Images]
![Pakistan hockey player Rehan Butt (No. 16, left) celebrates a goal as English hockey player Richard Mantell (far right) reacts in pain during their March 4 World Cup 2010 match in New Delhi. England won 5-2. [PRAKASH SINGH/AFP/Getty Images]](http://centralasiaonline.com/shared/images/2010/03/04/PakHockey.jpg)
The win clinched the top position in Group B for England with nine points in three matches. Previously, England beat Australia 3-2 and South Korea 6-4.
After being down 2-0 in the first half, Pakistan came from behind to score two goals in the second half.
A classic goal by Shakeel Abbasi in the 45th minute and Rehan Butt’s deflection off a penalty-corner in 48th minute brought Pakistan back into the game.
But English forward Barry Middleton scored twice after that to swing the game back to England’s favour and another goal would give England a 5-2 lead with five minutes left.
Pakistan’s penalty-corner specialist Sohail Abbas missed on five penalty-corners. In the last three matches, Sohail scored just one goal. England’s Jonty Clarke flicked the ball into Pakistan’s goal in the 21st minute of the game and the fourth goal in the 62nd minute. England’s second goal came from Ashley Jackson.
Pakistan’s March 4 loss all but eliminates its chances to reach the semi-finals. England and Australia are sure to top in the group. If India wins its remaining three matches and Spain does not lose, Pakistan will not advance.
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