The four quarterfinals were guaranteed for all the participating eight teams. Still, the results were surprising today as all the top four teams of the Pool stage lost their quarterfinal matches and the teams finishing third and fourth in both the pool entered the semifinals. 20 goals were scored in 4 matches of quarterfinals as compared to 52 goals scored in 12 matches at Pool Stage.
1st QF: Pak def Netherlands 4-2
- Goal Scorers: 6 Hertzberger (Neth), 16 Bhutta (Pak), 30 Imran (Pak), 39 Jonker (Neth), 51 and 52 Irfan (Pak)
Netherlands topped Pool B winning two matches and losing the last match to India. Pakistan had lost all the three matches at group stage. But in the knockout stage Pakistan appeared more confident as they routed World No. 2 Netherlands 4-2 to reach their 24th semifinal here.
2nd QF: Australia def Argentina 4-2
- Goal Scorers: 6 Orchard (Aus), 16 Paredes (Arg), Brunet (Arg), 37 Hayward (Aus), 42 Beale (Aus), Ciriello (Aus)
Argentina finished an impressive second in the Pool A with just one defeat to the group topper Netherlands. The real champions of Champions Trophy and 5 time consecutive reigning champions Australia finished third at Pool. In the knockout Australia appeared to be more confident winning 4-2 coming from behind to reach their 31st semifinal here.
3rd QF: Germany def England 2-0
- Goal Scorers: 30 Furste, 58 Ruhr (Ger)
England was the most impressive of all the eight teams at the pool stage. It not only topped the group but also scored maximum 7 points among all teams remaining undefeated. Germany on the other hand finished at the bottom of Pool B losing 2 matches. But the young German team showed why they are one of the best teams at Champions Trophy as they easily won against England to reach their 25th semifinal here.
4th QF: India def Belgium 4-2
- Goal Scorers: 12 Denayer, 18 Dockier (Bel), 18 Rupinderpal Singh, 27 Sannuvanda, 41 Akashdeep, 49 Dharmvir Singh (Ind)
Beglim is the most improved team at World Hockey and finished undefeated at Group Stage. India lost first two matches but managed to defeat Netherlands. The confidence of that big win was visible in the Quarterfinal today as they entered their 8th semifinal, 2nd consecutive, of Champions Trophy setting up another semifinal with Pakistan at Champions Trophy.
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