South Korea stun Pakistan

Koreas coach Jeon Jae-Hong celebrates with his players

South Korea sensationally defeated Pakistan to secure a place in the men's hockey final against Holland on Thursday.

The three-time Olympic and four-time World Cup champions Pakistan were beaten 1-0 by a side playing in their first major semi-final.

The South Koreans packed their goal-line on many occasions to deny Sohail Abbas, perhaps the most lethal penalty taker in the game.

They charged directly at Abbas on every corner, twice deflecting his shots away from goal and even forcing Pakistan to go to Mohammad Shafqat on a variation early in the second half.

The kamikaze tactics took their toll, however, with Lim jung-Woo struck on the knee by an Abbas thunderbolt and forced to leave the field on a stretcher. He is unlikely to play in the final on Saturday.

Variation

Jeon Jae Hong hugs goalkeeper Lim Jong Chun

When South Korea got their chance from a set-piece in the 43rd minute, they worked a superb variation, switching the ball right to Kang keon-Wook, who passed it to Song seung-Tae to score the winning goal.

Home hopes of a gold medal evaporated in the other semi-final as the Dutch beat Australia 5-4 on penalty strokes following a goalless draw after extra-time.

Canada came from a goal down to defeat Poland 3-2, setting up a play-off with Spain for ninth place.

Krzysztof Wybieralski gave Poland a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute after Rafal Grotowski had dispossesed Ravi Kahlon and fired a pinpoint pass into the circle.

Canada responded through a Chris Gifford field goal a minute into the second half, and took the lead three minutes later when Paul Wettlaufer found the net.

Poland's Robert Grzeszczak defends

Poland drew level again in the 45th minute from Eugeniusz Gaczkowski's field goal, but the Canadians had time to come back.

With 11 minutes to play and extra time beckoning, Ronnie Jagday stormed into the Polish circle and was brought down in a crude tackle as he lined up the open goal.

A penalty stroke was awarded, which Ian Bird converted to give Canada their 3-2 win.

Poland now meet Malaysia in the play-off for 11th and 12th place on Saturday.