Jang Jong-Hyun scored three goals as South Korea routed lowly Canada 9-2 on Sunday to keep their semi-final hopes alive the men's field hockey World Cup. However, New Zealand's chances of making the knock-out round suffered a setback when they lost 1-0 to Argentina in another group A match.
Nam Hyun-Woo and You Hyo-Sik chipped in with two goals apiece for South Korea as the Asian champions ran circles around the hapless Canadian defence in the high-scoring match.
The second half produced nine goals, two of them to Canada's Philip Wright, after the Koreans led 2-0 at the interval. South Korea, who have seven points from four games, may still need to defeat the Netherlands in their last match on Tuesday to ensure a place in the semi-finals.
The Dutch lead the group with nine points, followed by defending champions Germany and South Korea on seven each.
The Netherlands will qualify for the semi-finals if they do not lose to Germany later on Sunday.
"We needed this win badly and I am happy it all came together today," said Korean coach Shin Seok-Kyo. "It will take a lot from our side, and also our rivals, to ensure we make it to the semi-finals. We can only control what we do and that is to beat the Dutch." Canada have lost all four matches so far, scoring four goals and conceding 24.
New Zealand, who would have moved to nine points had they beaten Argentina, paid dearly for a missed penalty stroke by Ryan Archibald three minutes before the interval.
Argentina, beaten in their three previous games, earned the winner in the 55th minute through Facundo Callioni, who diverted in a pass from the right by Pedro Ibarra. The Black Sticks must now beat Germany on Monday to stay in contention for the semi-finals.
"Its disappointing to lose such a crucial game," said New Zealand captain Dean Couzins.
"We knew this could be a vital match and that is how it turned out. We tried our best in the end to get the equaliser, but missed a few chances. "It now all boils down to other games, but we still need to overcome the Germans."