CHANGZHOU (China), April 19: Pakistan barely managed to qualify for the World Cup hockey when a Rehan Butt equaliser helped them force a 2-2 draw with minnows Ireland on Wednesday.

The green shirts secured 11 points in Group ‘A’, to qualify for the September finals in Germany.

Pakistan went ahead through Dilawar Hussain goal in the 10th minute which was equalized by Stephen Butler in the 22nd minute.

The Pakistanis were rattled when Butler once again found the target in the 31st minute, converting a penalty corner. Rehan slammed home the leveler in the 43rd minute.

Pakistan have joined England who also qualified after defeating Belgium 1-0 earlier.

Pakistan team manager Saeed Khan said the players performed “extremely well” except few missed chances.

“It was good planning to go for a draw, when the Ireland was leading by one goal at the half time. By doing that, Pakistan avoided risk of losing the game,” he said.

Hosts China along with Canada, Egypt and Malaysia are out of contention having less than three points. The semifinals will be played on Friday. —APP