Pakistan clinched their expected spot in the Olympic field hockey competition with a convincing 5-2 win over Malaysia in Osaka, Japan. The three-time Olympic champions were forced to go through the qualification route for the first time after archrivals India won the Asian Games title in Bangkok two years ago. Pakistan, however, overcame the embarrassment by ensuring one of the top two places in group B even before their final league match against Argentina tomorrow. Six qualifiers will join the six direct entrants - holders Holland, hosts Australia and the continental Champions India, Germany, Canada and South Africa in Sydney.
