Pakistan thrash Korea to take fifth spot, Argentina claim seventh

Kuala Lumpur, June 24 (UNI) Pakistan hammered Asian Games champion South Korea 4-1 in the play-off match to take the fifth spot, while Argentina struck a golden goal against hosts Malaysia to claim the seventh place at the Azlan Shah hockey tournament here today.

Pakistan scored two goals in each half with Korea's strike coming in the 42nd minute at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.

For Pakistan the, scorers were Shakeel Abbasi (15th), Muhammad Saqlain, who converted a stroke in the 23rd minute, Akhtar Ali (46th) and Waqas Sharif (63rd).

Korea's only goal came off a penalty corner when Seong Jung Kang struck in the 42nd minute.

Pakistan coach Asif Bajwa, though disappointed after having to play for the minor positions, said the team would get over the disappointment and focus on the Champions Trophy in Spain next.

''My target is to get the team ready and focused for the World Cup and that is what are long term plan is. As a team, we would have been happy if we had gone further in the Azlan Shah,'' he said.

The Koreans were still trying to come to terms with the sudden slide in form after beating Olympic Champions Australia 3-0.

Korean coach Cho Myung Jun said the team would reassemble in a week's time for the training schedules for the September World Cup.

''I know we have a good team but we also need to find out why did we suddenly lose our touch and finish after beating Australia so convincingly,'' he said.

Meawhile, Malaysia threw away a two goal lead allowing Argentina to stage a comeback and clinch the seventh spot with a 3-2 win here at the Bukit Jalil stadium today.

Malaysia squandered an early 2-0 lead and lost the match when Innocente Argento struck a golden goal in the 79th minute.

The hosts had taken the lead through field attempts by Chua Boon Huat (20th) and Muhammad Rahim (27th).

With three minutes left for the break, Argentina cut the deficit through Matias Pardes. Mario Almada struck a field goal in the 49th minute and then after the teams had tied 2-2 at regulation period, Argento struck the golden goal in extra time.

For Argentina, it was another step towards a better performance at the forthcoming World Cup. Coach Sergio Vigil pointed to the fact that Argentina was improving with every match and at the Champions Trophy they would try and finish in the top four.

''It was tough to come back after a 0-2 deficit,'' Sergio said.

''But the boys were confident and knew that they would get the goals. Of course, Malaysia also played well and wasted a few chances and we were lucky to strike with a golden goal,'' he added.

Malaysian coach Wallace was disappointed with the last place finish of the hosts.

''I knew we would have a tough time after senior players had decided not to play the tournament. But I am happy for the boys who got the chance and I can say confidently that the future looks good for Malaysia and we will now start our programme for the Asian Games in December,'' he said.

UNI XC PM PM1133