Spain and Pakistan remained in contention for a berth in the final of the Rabo Trophy in Amsterdam with a pair of strong victories yesterday.
In the opening match, Pakistan accounted for India 3-1 to record their first win of the tournament and keep in touch with Pool leader Spain with one match to play.
Pakistan opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Imran Muhammad doubled the lead just before half time to make India's task almost impossible given they had only been able to find the scoresheet once in their previous two matches in the tournament.
India grabbed a goal back midway through the second half to set up an exciting finale however. Despite India's effort, Pakistan confirmed the win just before full time when Shakeel Abbasi scored to secure a 3-1 win.
After Pakistan moved into a share of the Pool A lead following their victory over India, Spain needed a positive result against Germany to again claim outright top spot.
Four second half Spanish goals were more than enough for the reigning Champions Trophy title holders to dispose of the German challenge in a 4-1 victory.
After a scoreless opening half, Germany took the lead in the 48th minute through Nico Sonnenschein before Spain rallied and took a 2-1 lead with two goals in as many minutes from Victor Sojo and Santi Freixa.
Spain produced another burst late in the match to score twice more in quick succession to complete the win and lead Pool B by three points. Pakistan can overtake Spain and qualify for Sunday's final if they defeat Germany by three goals in today's match.
The other match on the last day before the classification matches, home team Netherlands will hope to arrest a form slump with victory over Australia, a team they defeated last week on their way to the Hamburg Masters title.
Results
Pakistan 3 defeated India 1
Goals: PAK - Muhammad Saqlain PC 15m, Imran Muhammad PC 30m, Shakeel Abbasi FG 68m; IND - Rajpal Singh 56m
Spain 4 defeated Germany 1
Goals: ESP - Victor Sojo PC 54m, Santi Freixa FG 55m, Eduard Tubau FG 67m, Albert Sala FG 70m; GER - Nico Sonnenschein FG 48m
Points Table
Pool A
Spain 7pts
Pakistan 4pts
Germany 3 pts
India 0pts
Pool B
Australia 6pts
Korea 6pts
Netherlands 1pt
England 1pt
Friday's Matches
Germany v Pakistan; 17:00
Netherlands v Australia; 20:00
