Star striker Pablo Amat scored a brace as holders Spain shut the doors on last year bronze medallists Pakistan with an authoritative 4-2 win in their fourth league match in the Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Chennai, on Wednesday night.
Earlier in the day, Australia beat the Netherlands 3-2, while Germany beat India 1-0.
Going into the match needing a win to keep themselves in medal contention, the Spaniards dominated the match for most part and took it away, taking a 3-0 lead at half-time.
Pakistan, who suffered their third defeat, had to be content with their late effort of scoring two consolation goals. While Mudassar Khan reduced the margin in the 54th minute, captain Muhammad Saqlain converted a penalty-stroke with just two minutes to go for the hooter.
Experienced striker Pablo Amat scored a brace, a field goal and a penalty-corner conversion in the fifth and 42nd minutes, while Davis Alegre (23rd min) and Xavier Ribas (45th) were the other scorers for Spain.
Pakistan, with just one point from their draw against Germany, despite playing in a must-win situation failed to put up any resistance. They have their last match against Australia, who lead the table with 12 points after their fourth straight win earlier in the day over the Netherlands.
Ironically, the two Asian hockey powerhouses are at the bottom of the table after the fourth round and going by the present form of the teams the two may in all probability will clash to decide the 5-6 places.
The Netherlands are in the second place with seven points, followed by Spain (6), Germany (5) and India (3).
Tomorrow is a rest day.
