JAKARTA: Pakistan topped the table and moved on to the semi-final battle with a 5-0 win over Bangladesh in their final Group B match at the GBK Hockey Stadium.
The Pakistanis had already qualified for the last four. They will play the winner of the Japan-South Korea game.
For the Pakistanis, the match offered a target practice and they duly took note with an easy game.
Bangladesh will play in the classification playoff against Japan or Korea.
Pakistan skipper Rizwan Ali said that they did not go all out in the game against Bangladesh.
“We had already qualified for the semis and such did not want to risk any injuries. We had control of the game and that was good. Bangladesh did try to get some goals but our defence was able to stop them.
“We are looking forward to the semis. It does not really matter if it is Korea or Japan. We will need to beat them. It will be tough but we remain confident, “he said.
Mohamed Atiq scored the opening goal in the First minute from a field attempt. It was his sixth goal of the tournament.
This was followed by two goals from Mubashar Ali in the eighth and 24th minutes from the penalty corner. The first half ended at 3-0.
Ali Shan was on target with a field goal in the 36th minute. Atif then scored his second in the 48th and Pakistan’s fifth of the game.
