Pakistan stroll into semi-finals

Pakistan strolled to a 2-0 win over Canada to finish with maximum points from their three pool games and claim a semi-final place in the Commonwealth Games men's hockey competition on Tuesday.

Muhammad Saqlain, given far too much room by the Canadian defence, put them ahead in the 21st minute before Sohail Abbas, with one of his powerful flick shots, added the second goal from a penalty-corner.

It was his fourth goal of the tournament, following his hat-trick in Pakistan's 3-0 win over England. He had hit the cross bar with another corner shot earlier.

"Needing only a draw to head the group, we did not have to exert ourselves against Canada," coach Tahir Zaman said. "We have achieved our first objective, which was to avoid Australia in the semi-finals."

Earlier, Pakistan had also beaten Wales 3-0.