July 31, 2002	Wednesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 20,1423

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MANCHESTER, July 30: Title contenders Pakistan downed Canada 2-0 on Tuesday to cruise into the men’s hockey semifinals of the Commonwealth Games with an all-win record.

Pakistan, still short of their best form, scored once in each half to emerge Pool B champions and gain an automatic berth into the semifinals.

Canada, who finished the league with two losses and a draw, will still make the play-offs to determine two semifinal spots if England defeat Wales as expected later Tuesday.

Muhammad Saqlain put Pakistan ahead in the 21st minute before penalty corner ace Sohail Abbas increased the margin eight minutes before the final whistle.

What was expected to be an easy outing for Pakistan turned into a hard struggle as Canada defended well, but were unable to convert the chances that came their way.

“There is no disgrace in losing like this,” Canadian coach Gene Muller said. The story would have been different if we had taken the chances and put a few in. But its not over yet. We can still make the semifinals and I think we have played well enough to get there.”

Canada were robbed of a valuable point against England on Sunday when a controversial penalty stroke two minutes from the end gave the hosts a 2-1 win.

Pakistani coach Tahir Zaman, who retired from international hockey last year, admitted his team was yet to strike top form.

“I told the boys not to exert too much today as long as they won and made the semifinals,” Tahir said.

“I don’t want them to get tired before the important matches. We will peak at the right moment.”

Pakistan have a two-day break before Friday’s semifinals. But they will not know their next opponent till after Wednesday’s play-offs.