Australia shook off their lethargy in time to score a 2-1 victory over Pakistan, a fourth-consecutive win helping them top pool B of the FIH Hero Honda World Cup on Monday.
A brace from Desmond Abbott helped the former champions overtake England on the basis of better goal difference, after the latter lost to Spain 2-0 in an earlier match. Australia only had to win and come on par at points to wrest the top spot from England as they were far ahead on goals.
Australia finished with a goal difference of 17, with 23 scored and six conceded. England scored 17 and conceded 12 for a difference of five in their favour.
Pakistan, who scored through a Sohail Abbas penalty-corner conversion in the 24th minute, kept the lead in the first half, but Abbott stood between them and a face-saving second win. He struck from the top of the circle early on resumption and then connected a shot from Robert Hammond to clinch the issue just two minutes from time.
“We had quite a few penetrations which we could not convert. We were not lax, but probably a little relaxed knowing that we had a good chance of qualifying. But yes, we were not at our best today,” said Aussie captain Jamie Dwyer.
“It is good to top the pool. Now that we are in the semifinals, we have a chance to win the title. But the early loss to England still rankles in our minds,” he added.
Pakistani forward Rehan Butt felt it was their best match of the championship. “We did not prepare much for today. In fact, we did not practice yesterday, nor did we watch any videos of the Australian players.The freshness factor seemed to work in our favour,” said Butt.
“I don’t think Australia were holding themselves back, at least not in the second half. But after the way we started, it was disappointing to concede those late goals,” he added.
Earlier, England’s unbeaten run came to an end when they lost 0-2 to Spain and finished with 12 points. It was Spain’s third win in the league, which helped them clinch the third spot in the pool with nine points.
“We could not show the kind of energy we produced in previous matches. But we are not disappointed with the loss because we know we have to win matches at the knock-out stage, and that is what will matter,” said England captain Barry Middleton.
Pau Quemada struck the first goal at the stroke of half-time and was then involved in a smooth move with Eduard Tubai that helped increase the lead six minutes from the long-hooter.
England’s hopes of getting an equaliser that would keep them ahead of Australia in the points tally, ended with the second goal. Tubai moved down the centre and gave the ball to Quemada, who put the ball back for Tubai to make it 2-0.
