South Africa sinks Pakistan’s semi-final dreams

South Africa’s Haley Ian celebrates after his successful goal against Pakistan during the Hero Honda FIH World Cup hockey. Photo: PTI

South Africa earned his first victory at the field hockey World Cup on Saturday by beating Pakistan 4-2.

Both South Africa and Pakistan have been eliminated from the knockout round after only winning one of its first four matches.

Pakistan opened the scoring in the fifth minute through striker Rehan Butt to lead 1-0 at halftime. But Gareth Carr equalized in the 38th minute on a penalty corner before field goals from Ian Haley, Tanie Paton and Marvin Harper gave South Africa a 4-1 lead.

Pakistan pulled back two goals in the last three minutes on penalty corners through Muhammad Imran and Waseem Ahmed.

Earlier, title favorite Australia moved closer to the semifinals by defeating Spain 2-0.