NEW DELHI, Mar 4 (PTI): European champions England virtually assured themselves a place in the semifinal of the hockey World Cup after thumping Pakistan 5-2 to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament here today.
Captain Barry Middleton (52nd, 65th) led from the front with two goals while James Tindall (20th), Ashley Jackson (32nd) and Jonty Clarke (62nd) scored a goal each to complete Pakistan's misery in the high-voltage Pool B match.
Pakistan reduced margin through Shakeel Abbasi (45th) and Rehan Butt (49th).
England started the match with a flourish and sounded the board in the fourth minute when Iain Mackay's spectacular overhead shot beat Pakistan custodian Salman Akbar all ends up.
But to the disappointment of the English side, Pakistan appealed against the shot and video umpire rejected the goal because of high stick.
