Korea down fighting Poland

Martin Lenehan

South Korea took a giant stride towards securing a semi-final berth in only their third Olympic appearance by beating Poland 3-2.

With speedsters Jung-Chul Kim and Seung-Tae Song wreaking havoc down Poland's left side, Korea dominated the first half. Woon-Kon Yeo opened the scoring with a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner in the 11th minute, and captain Keon-Wook Kang made it 2-0 seven minutes later.

When Song again surged into the circle to set up Jong-Hyun Hwang early in the second half, the 1999 Champions Trophy silver medallists had the break they needed to hold off a late charge from the Poles.

Assuming India beats Poland in their final pool match on Tuesday, Korea must down host nation Australia to progress to the medal play-offs. Should Poland spring an upset, Korea and Australia will be the two semi-finalists from Pool B, regardless of the result of their match.

In an inconsequential match Great Britain and Canada slugged out for a 1-1 draw the rain in Pool A.

The first 45 matches of match was played in fine conditions, but midway through the match the heavens opened.

With their medal dreams long evaporated, there was only pride on the line.

Canada drew first blood in the fourth minute from a Ken Pereira field goal. Great Britain drew level nine minutes after halftime when Mark Pearn's magical stick work set up Danny Hall.

For the remaining 26 minutes, both sides searched in vain for a winner, but they were destined to stay level at the bottom of the pool on two points.

With the clock down to the final 90 seconds, Canadian Rob Short and Briton Ben Sharpe let their emotions get the better of them, and both were banished to the sidelines.

''We are known for our aggression. We always fight right up to the last minute,'' said Canada's goalscorer Pereira.

Canada get a final shot at redemption when they meet Malaysia on Tuesday, while Great Britain face a huge task against Germany.

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