HOCKEY: The stakes couldn’t be any higher for the Australian men’s hockey team as they enter their final pool match on Tuesday against Pakistan.

A win will see them qualify for the semi finals and most likely finish on top of their pool.

A draw would also be enough for them to progress to the semis, however a loss would give them no chance of winning a medal and spell the end of the London campaign.

Frustratingly, the Kookaburras have had several chances to already book their place in the semis. Had they have held on to win against either Argentina or Great Britain in their previous two matches, in which they led 2-0 and 3-0 respectively, they would have already qualified.

However with that behind them they will now focus entirely on Pakistan who despite their world ranking of 8, loom as a dangerous team for the Australia to face.

Although the Kookaburras easily disposed of them during their last encounter at the 2011 Champions Trophy, Pakistan has been in good form during this Olympic campaign.

“Pakistan are a very good team. They are quite difficult, they have a brilliant corner and some very skilful players,” coach Ric Charlesworth said.

“They play a game which is essentially counter attacking, they bleed you and that can be difficult to play against. So I don’t underestimate them at all, we have had many difficult games against Pakistan.”

Shaun Anderson
olympics.com.au