Argentina beat Pakistan 1-0

Pakistan thus suffered a major setback to their aspirations of a semi-final berth as they remained on five points.

Argentina grimly hung to a 45th-minute penalty stroke goal by Matias Vila for a 1-0 win against Pakistan in a pool A match of the men's hockey World Cup on Monday.

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Pakistan thus suffered a major setback to their aspirations of a semi-final berth as they remained on five points after four matches, while Argentina moved to four with their first win in as many outings.

Pakistan were distinctly unlucky with a couple of penalty corners they forced with drag-flick specialist Sohail Abbas hitting the cross-piece and goalkeeper Juan Manuel Vivaldi coming up with some smart saves.

They will next play Australia in the concluding match of the league phase on Wednesday while Argentina face Japan.