Korea thrash Canada 9-2 in hockey World Cup

Drag-flicker Jong Hyun Jang struck thrice as nimble-footed South Korea drubbed lowly Canada 9-2 in a high scoring match to keep their semi-final hopes alive in the hockey World Cup in New Delhi.

Jang scored in the 35th, 45th and 61st minutes while Hyun Woo Nam (23rd and 67th) and Hyo Sik You (41st and 63rd) struck twice each in the one-sided Pool A match.

Lee Nam Yong (38th) and Sung Hoon Yoon (40th) found the target once in the match, which saw second highest number of goals being scored in this World Cup, after Australia's 12-0 mauling of South Africa.

For Canada, who are already out of contention for a semi-final spot after losing all their earlier three matches, Philip Wright scored twice in the 42nd and 51st minutes at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

The match lacked spark in the first session, which the Koreans dominated by taking a 2-0 lead. But the second half saw an open and attacking hockey from both the sides and that resulted to as many as eight goals being scored.

The chances of the Koreans, who have seven points after four matches -- with two wins, one draw and a loss – to qualify for the semifinal now depend on their March 9 match against title contenders the Netherlands.

Neither side did create any goal-scoring chance in the first 15 minutes though South Korea had more ball possession and attack. It was Canada who got the first real chance to score but Connor Grimes' deflection of a hard cross from outside the Korean striking circle was saved by goalkeeper Myung Ho Lee in the 18th minute.

The incessant attack by the Koreans paid off as they got their first penalty corner and scored from it with Nam's drag-flick finding the Canadian net in the 23rd minute.

The Koreans got their second penalty corner at the stroke of half time and a powerful flick by Nam again landed near the left goal post and the ball hit a Canadian defender's foot.

The referee had no hesitation in awarding the Koreans a penalty stroke and Jang stepped up to convert it in the extended time of the first half to give his side a 2-0 lead at the breather.

After resumption, the match saw a flurry of goals – five in 10 minutes -- with Korea scoring four and Canada one.

In the third minute after the break, Lee's reverse stick shot was deflected by a Canadian defender and hit the right post before going into the goal.

In the 40th minute, Sung made it 4-0 after he was nicely set up by Hyo Sik You from the right flank.

You himself scored next minute with his shot from the right edge of the striking circle went through the legs of the Canadian goalkeeper Matthew Peck.