South Korea fought their way to 5-2 over China for the first win in the second round of Olympic men's hockey tournament in Beijing on Wednesday. So did Pakistan, who routed Canada 3-1.
In other games on the day, Australia toppled South Africa 10-0, Spain defeated New Zealand 1-0, Germany drew with Belgium 1-1, and the Netherlands broke down Britain 1-0.
South Korea surged from a 2-0 down thanks to defender Jang Jong Hyun who made three consecutive conversions of penalty corners. The other two goals came from Captain Seo Jong Ho in the 13th minute and Kang Seong Jung in the 67th minute.
Debutants China took an early momentum by a field goal from Na Yubo in the sixth minute and a penalty corner from Song Yi in the 8th. However, hard as they fought, they could not penetrate fifth-ranked South Korea's defense in the second half.
Captain Song Yi said they made some big mistakes in the second half. "We had no problem in tactics, but we didn't carry out the tactics well and were somewhat slow in playing," he said, adding that they should not have lost the game and were feeling very bad.
"I'm not happy with our performance," said China coach Kim Sang Ryul. "I told them my plan before the game, but I think there was some misunderstanding. So in the midfield and shooting circle there were some mistakes." He also noted South Korea was a strong team.
The hat-trick player Jang Jong Hyun said they succeeded because of teamwork.
Pakistan, beaten 4-2 by Britain on Monday, came back to win after Canada's 1-0 lead. The equalizing penalty corner came from Muhammad Imran in the 39th minute. Then it was Pakistan's game. Muhammad Saqlain played a major role in the midfield and provided passes which resulted in Pakistan's second and third goals.
It was Pakistan's first win, with Canada still winless.
Belgium held world champions Germany to a 1-1 draw and picked up their first point.
Defending champions Australia now have six points, and top Pool B along with the Netherlands. Spain top Pool A with two wins.
On Friday, China will play Spain, Belgium meet New Zealand and South Korea confront Germany in Pool A. In Pool B, the Netherlands will face Canada, Pakistan play Australia and South Africa take on Britain.
(Xinhua News Agency August 14, 2008)