South Korea split stick contest wide open

India must defeat Poland to qualify, while Australia must not lose to the Koreans if they are to remain in contention in front of their home crowd.The Koreans, who have an inferior goal difference to the Australians, need a win to move ahead.

Australia also enjoy a better record, having lost just one match to South Korea in 26 meetings. In their last meeting at the Champions Trophy in May, Australia won 2-0.

A tough battle also looms in Group `A’ where defending champions The Netherlands and Germany are tied on eight points with Pakistan on six.

The Koreans, who finished third in the Champions Trophy, launched an aggressive assault on the Poles in a match they had to win to keep their hopes alive.

Having wasted a penalty corner soon after the start, the Koreans took the lead with their second in the 11th minute when Yeo Woon-Kon scooped from the top of the circle past the Polish goalkeeper. Another penalty corner seven minutes later brought South Korea their second goal when Kang Keon-Wook deflected a direct hit into the goal.

The Koreans made it 3-0 soon after the interval as Hwang Jong-Hyun swooped on a pass from the right and drove hard into the goal.

Poland, who upset Atlanta silver-medallists Spain 4-1 and drew a high-scoring thriller against Argentina 5-5 to mark their first Olympics in 20 years, did not give in without a fight.

They were awarded a penalty stroke midway through the second-half when the dangerous Piotr Mikula was brought down inside the circle and Rafal Grotowski made no mistake in reducing the margin.

Mikula himself scored eight minutes before the final whistle, but time ran out of the gallant Poles. “It was as close as the scoreline indicates,” said a relieved Korean manager Kim Sang-Ryul. “I don’t think India will find is easy against Poland who fight hard. But our job is to beat Australia and I am confident we can do it.”

Polish manager Piotr Zgagacz said the big lead built by the Koreans cost his side the match.

“By the time we woke up it was too late. But I am happy the way the team has played in this competition.”

Poland are out of contention with just four points from as many matches.