Pakistan and Australia suffer shock defeats : Champions Trophy
World champions Germany remained the only unbeaten side after a thrilling 3-3 draw with European champions, the Netherlands.
Stephen Dick opened the floodgates for Britain in the 15th minute with a brilliant flick top of the circle that set the tone for the day. Britain then added goals from Rob Moore (21), Simon Mantell (35) and Richard Alexander (57).
Pakistan replied through Mohammad Imran (49), but coach Manzoorul Hassan was almost at a loss for words after the match, saying his team turned out its worst performance in the tournament.
“Britain played a very good game today and the boys are not playing well,” he said. “But we can still finish among the top six teams here and we must improve in the remaining matches.”
The English coach Jason Lee said Britain were not surprised by their win. “We had a very good record against Pakistan over the last few matches,” he said. “Britain’s style had always suited playing Pakistan and recently, we [have] always been relatively successful against them.”
A thunderstorm delayed the Britain-Pakistan match halfway through the second half for more than an hour when Britain was ahead by 3-1.
Meanwhile, the Australians were stunned by Spain, which led 2-0 at the break following goals by veterans Eduard Tubau (11) and Santi Freixa (34).
World number one Australia hit back through Luke Doerner in the 42nd, but Freixa again thumped a penalty corner in the 54th to make it 3-1.
The Aussies then took control but could only get a consolation in the 68th from Nathan Eglington.
The loss means Australia will almost surely not make the final on Sunday.
The top two teams in the table will play for the gold medal, while the rest will compete for placing spots.
“It was such a disappointing result for us ... but credit to Spain,” Australian coach Barry Dancer said. “They defended well and were quick on the counterattack.” Spain’s coach Maurits Hendriks said he was proud of his players.
In the Dutch-German tie, veteran flicker Taeke Taekema put the Netherlands ahead in the fourth minute and Germany hit in the 13th through Florian Keller.
The Dutch again went ahead through centre half Rogier Hofman in the 32nd, but Germany’s Jan Marco Montag evened the score in the 56th.
Two minutes later, Germany’s Keller made it 3-2 with a thunderous strike, but the Dutch replied through their top scorer Rob Reckers, who connected in the 64th.
“It was a great game. The score was fair as both teams played well and our sights for the final remains firm,” German coach Markus Weise said.
“The big problem is that Florian [Keller] suffered a bad knee injury and most probably he will not play again here,” he said.
Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans was not happy since his squad needed a win to give them a fighting chance to make the final.—AFP