Muscat: Great Britain overcame some stiff resistance from Malaysia 4-1 to seal a spot in the semifinals with their second win of Pool A in the FIH Men’s Olympic Qualifier at Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat late on Tuesday. Pakistan rebounded from an opening defeat against Britain by blanking China 2-0 in an earlier Pool A match at the same venue.
World No 4 ranked Great Britain with two wins are on six points and top Pool A with a superior goal difference of +5. China occupied the second spot with a fighting 3-2 win over Malaysia.
Pakistan earned their first three points on Tuesday while Malaysia are fourth with no points.
The day’s Pool A action started with an encounter between Pakistan and China.
China, who were confident after their thrilling opening win, matched a youthful Pakistan, who were desperate for a win to stay in the contention for a semifinal spot.
Pakistan struck the target in 42nd minute after Abu Mahmood scored from a penalty corner to break the deadlock.
In the 51st minute, Abdul Rehman secured the win for Pakistan from another penalty corner.
The last match of the day saw Malaysia putting up a determined fight against Great Britain from the start at the Hockey Oman Stadium.
Will Calnan struck the opening goal for Britain in the 19th minute from a penalty corner. Shahril Saabah utilised a penalty corner as Malaysia restored parity seven minutes later.
At the break the teams were level at 1-1.
TAKING CONTROL
Team GB came back strong in the third quarter to pump in two goals to take control. Sam Ward scored from a penalty corner in the 32nd minute while Zachary Wallace’s field goal in the 39th minute made it 3-1 for Britain.
Ward hit his second goal with two minutes to go as Great Britain rounded off a 4-1 win.
In Pool B, Germany lead the way on goal difference with New Zealand in second - both sides have 4 points. Chile are third with three points. Canada have no points after their second defeat.
The semfinals line-up will be confirmed with the last matches of the pools on Thursday.
Chile take on Germany in the first match at 2 pm. Canada meet New Zealand in the second Pool B match at 4.15 pm.
China play Great Britain at 6.30 pm and Pakistan meet Malaysia at 8.45 in the last match of Pool A.
The semifinals and placement matches will be held on Saturday while the final and third-place match take place on Sunday.
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