Scotland’s bid to reach the knockout stages of the Hockey World League semi-finals now rests on Tuesday lunchtime’s showdown with Canada after they were bested by Pakistan on Monday.
The Scots suffered their third straight defeat at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre as they were defeated 3-1 by Pakistan but they could still qualify from Pool B with victory over the Canadians next time out.
Derek Forsyth’s side soaked up some early pressure before taking the lead in the first quarter, Lee Morton blazing a trail into the Pakistan D before teeing up Wei Adams, who finished into the bottom-right corner.
In the second quarter, Pakistan saw an equaliser chalked off due to an infringement and as the game wore on, both Gavin Byers and Kenny Bain missed the opportunity to make it 2-0.
Scotland would go on to be punished for their profligacy as Muhammad Irfan Jr notched to tie things up at 1-1.
Shortly afterwards, a well-worked penalty corner routine led to Pakistan taking the lead, with the ball slid to Arslan Qadir, who gave goalie Tommy Alexander no chance.
Early in the final quarter, Pakistan rounded things off as Aleem Muhammad Bilal converted from another penalty corner.
There was still time for Scotland to have a goal of their own chalked off via video referral, with Alan Forsyth’s effort from a penalty corner disallowed as it was unclear whether the ball had touched a stick on its way into the net.
Head coach Derek Forsyth said: “It’s very disappointing to have two good chances when we were 1-0 up and not take them.
“Taking these chances would have been a game-changer and allowed us to pull ahead. It was also disappointing how we dealt with the corners that gave Pakistan two goals.
“There’s still an opportunity against Canada. We won’t dwell on the Pakistan result and we’ll prepare properly and look forward to the game against Canada, and play for a fourth-placed position.”
Sportsbeat 2017