Pakistan 1 South Korea 0

Germany 3 New Zealand 2

IPOH (Malaysia), March 28: Pakistan edged past South Korea 1-0 to set final date with Germany in 12th Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament on Friday.

After a very tough and stubborn resistance from the Asian Games champions South Korea, Pakistan emerged victorious by a narrow margin of 1-0 in their last league match of the tournament. They now meet in the final with reigning world and defending champions Germany.

Though Pakistan had taken the lead in the 4th minute through deadly short corner drag flick by Sohail Abbas, it was Koreans who dominated most part of the second half as Pakistan defence appeared to be in complete disarray.

The Korean onslaught can be judged by the fact that they got eight short corners in second half, taking the tally to 10 in the whole match. But for most of the time their shots found goalkeeper Ahmad Alam or at times missed the posts.

Pakistan take on Germany in the final on Sunday who are unbeaten so far in the tournament, while South Korea will face New Zealand in third position match.

Earlier today, Germany, despite having control in early part of the game were given tough fight by the New Zealand who lost 3-2.

Germany scored their first goal in 6th minute on short corner through Max Landshut when a weak carpeted shot surprisingly rolled through the gates between the pads of Kiwi goalie Paul Woolford.

The Germans doubled the lead when Christopher Zeller after a speedy move, beat the Kiwi defence and sounded the board in the 15th minute.

The Kiwis scored their first goal on a penalty stroke through Hayden Shaw in 32nd minute that was rewarded after a penalty corner shot that was going into goal was stopped by a German defender with his foot.

The Kiwis at one stage were able to level the match when Wayne Mcindoe scored in 44th minute. The Germans came back with the winner in 54th minute through experienced Christoph Bechmann.—PPI