LILLE: Pakistan kept up their proud record of never having missed a World Cup by defeating Japan 3-1 in the final qualifying round here on Sunday to
secure a place in the finals in India in 2010.

Pakistan dominated the six-nation qualifier, winning all their matches.

They opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Abdul Haseem Khan found the target after good work from Shakeel Abbasi.

Sohail Abbas then made it 2-0 before Japan cut the deficit on a 26th-minute penalty corner by skipper Kazuhiro Tsubouchi.

Pakistan made sure of victory with a third goal in the 40th minute from Abbas.

Final standings: 1. Pakistan, 2. Japan, 3. Poland, 4. France, 5. Russia, 6. Italy