Field hockey · International
Favourites win opening men's world cup qualifier matches in Ismailia
Malaysia and England recorded clear victories, while Pakistan and host Egypt overcame closer contests.
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Malaysia, Pakistan, England and Egypt began the men's World Cup qualifier in Ismailia with wins. Malaysia defeated Austria 6–1 after conceding early, while England beat Japan 5–0 through a series of well constructed attacks.
Pakistan held on for a 5–4 victory over China in a game that tightened after the Pakistani team led 4–1. China recovered with three later goals, but Waleed Rana's strike preserved the narrow advantage and gave Pakistan the opening points.
Host Egypt also recovered from an early deficit to defeat the United States 3–1. Aki Kaeppeler had put the Americans ahead before Ahmed Elganaini equalised from the penalty spot. The opening results gave all four winners useful starts in the race toward the semi-finals and qualification places.
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