Men's hockey team beat Oman to keep semifinal dream alive

The Korean men’s hockey team thrashed Oman 16-2 in their last pool stage game on Monday, keeping alive a shot at a spot in the semifinals.

Korea started the game held at Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium in Hangzhou, China on the right foot, taking a 2-0 lead and ending the first quarter at 2-0.

A series of goals followed in the second quarter, with Korea stretching the lead and ending the quarter at 7-0.

Oman failed to score until they put one back with Al-Shaaibi Khalid Juma Salim Hamood’s goal in the third quarter. Korea, however, continued to pile up the goals to make it 12-1 by the end of the quarter, before sealing a 16-2 victory.

Korea secured an important three points with the win, but their place in the semifinals is contingent on the result of the clash between China and Malaysia in Pool B, set to take place later in the afternoon on Monday.

China has to beat Malaysia or draw with them in order for Korea to advance to the semifinals as Pool B runners-up.

If China loses, the three countries will all have four wins and one loss each. Two sides with a greater goal difference will then reach the semifinals.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]