World number three Belgium ended their round-robin matches at the Champions Trophy with a 4-2 win over Pakistan at the De Bredase Hockey and Bandy Club Stadium.
The win gave them six points and are currently placed fourth in the standings. But their chances of playing for third place will depend on the Argentina and Australia clash on Saturday.
If the Argentines lose their match then the Belgians will have a chance to aim for a podium finish.
The final classification matches will only be known on Saturday.
World champions Australia who defeated host Holland 3-1 on Thursday have already booked their final berth.
Their opponent in Sunday’s final will be either Holland or India, who meet in the final round robin match. The winner of that match will meet Australia for the last Champions Trophy title.
Pakistan and condemned to the last place in the standings but will hope to avoid bottom place in the playoff game.
They will go up against eight Argentina or Belgium.
In the match today the Belgians found some serious opposition from the Pakistanis.
The Asian team, ranked 13th in the world, took the lead in the 11th minute through Aleem Bilal. He was also on target in the 38th minute through another penalty corner.
But goals from Thomas Briels (36), Amaury Keusters (39), Cedric Charlier (51 and Florent van Aubel (54) gave the Belgians full points. – BY S. RAMAGURU
RESULTS
Australia 3 Holland 1
Belgium 4 Pakistan 2
SATURDAY’S FUIXTURES
Australia vs Argentina
Holland vs India
