Pakistan and Japan geared up for a crucial battle in the Asian Games men's field hockey with big wins over lowly rivals here on Saturday. Japan rode on a six-goal burst by penalty corner expert Takahiko Yamabori to blast hapless Hong Kong 12-1 and Pakistan dismissed Taiwan 9-0 in another group A match at the Al Rayyan stadium here.
Japan and Pakistan are locked on seven points each and face-off in the last league encounter on Sunday that will lift the winner into the semi-finals. The loser faces an early exit as Malaysia, who have the luxury of playing unfancied Taiwan on Sunday, will move to eight points and book the second semi-final spot. A draw between Pakistan and Japan will force a three-way tie to be settled on goal-difference.
"There is everything to play for against Japan," said Pakistan coach Shahnaz Sheikh. "It's a make or break game for us." Japanese manager Kyoichi Nagaya said Sunday's match will be the "turning point of the tournament."