SOUMITRA BOSE

Saturday’s mouth-watering India versus Pakistan Hero Hockey World League semi-final match turned out to be a one-sided affair at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis centre here. India routed Pakistan 6-1, after leading 4-0 at half-time. Ramandeep Singh (8th and 31st minutes), Talwinder Singh (25th), Harmapreet Singh (36th) and Mandeep Singh (27th and 59th) were the scorers.

The win keeps India in the fray for a fifth finish in the Hockey World League semi-final. On Sunday, India will play Canada, 7-3 winners against China in an earlier classification match on Saturday.

Malaysia’s dream run hit a roadblock and hosts England suffered heartbreak as Argentina set up a grand finale with The Netherlands. All four teams have qualified for 2018 World Cup in India.

Malaysia’s ultra-defensive tactics allowed Argentina a 2-1 win in the evening’s first semifinal. Lucas Vilan slotted from a penalty corner in the 13th minute and Manuel Brunet doubled the lead in the 34th. Fitri Saari converted a stroke for Malaysia in the 38th minute but the South Americans defended well to go through.

In an action-packed match where England’s goalkeeper and captain George Pinner stood out with some outstanding saves, the Dutch struck two late goals in a space of three minutes to outsmart England. Mirco Pruijser put The Netherlands ahead in the 45th and Bjorn Kellerman added the insurance. Both were field goals.