ROTTERDAM, July 5: Former champions Pakistan failed to latch On to a late second half lead and were held to a 1-1 draw Tuesday by Argentina to virtually go out of reckoning for a semifinal berth in Junior World Cup.

After a goalless first half, Pakistan took a 58th minute lead to only to see Argentina equalise four minutes later.

Pakistan are now on four points and only a mini-miracle can see them through to the last four.

In the match, which the Latin American champion could have easily won, Argentina have only themselves to blame for the result.

They wasted a stroke in the 7th minute and 10 penalty corners and failed to earn full three points and set themselves up for a semifinal spot.

They now have eight points with a match against Australia, which they must win to be in the running to enter the semifinals.

Both the teams had their chances in the first half.

If Argentina squandered a penalty stroke, Pakistan saw a Deflection from Adnan Zakir hit the cross piece.

Argentina were relentlessly earning penalty corners but it was Pakistan who took the lead in the 58th minute when Khalid Mahmood Scored. Argentina fired in the equaliser in the 62nd minute off their 11th penalty corner coverted by Lucas Vila.

In the other matches of the day Chile routed Mexico 5-0, South Africa whipped Poland 5-1, Australia overwhelmed Germany 7-1 and Malaysia eased past Belgium 4-2.—Agencies