AUSTRALIA, SPAIN and the Netherlands broke away from the pack with their third wins to step closer to the semifinals of men’s hockey competition.
Reigning champions Australia almost ended Pakistan’s hopes with a 3-1 win. The Netherlands joined Australia at the top of the pool with a 4-2 win over Canada mastermined by a hat-trick from penalty corner ace Taeke Taekema.

In pool A, Spain beat China 2-1, while New Zealand kept their hopes alive by ousting Belgium 4-2.