Australia beat South Korea to enter semis

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Sydney: Atlanta bronze medallists Australia became the first team through to the men's Olympic hockey semi-finals after defeating South Korea 2-1 on Tuesday.

The Koreans opened the scoring in the eighth minute when speed machine Song Seung-Tae finished off a great counter-attack which began in their own circle.

But Australia managed to draw level on the stroke of half time thanks to Craig Victory's deflection from a penalty corner.

With Michael Brennan and Troy Elder providing the spark, Australia stepped up the pace in the second half, eventually taking the lead 18 minutes from time when their most capped player, Jay Stacy, converted a penalty corner.

Australian coach Terry Walsh said, "Korea didn't give it away, but I don't think they really believed they could get into our defence in the second half."

"They haven't beaten us for some time, despite having some good opportunities and that fragility can lead to frustration."

South Korea now need Poland to upset India if they are to progress to the semi-finals.

Earlier, a second half goal by Anwar Chairil against Canada earned Malaysia their fourth successive draw and assured a top eight finish.After losing narrowly to Germany in their opening game, Malaysia strung together four draws, including Tuesday's 1-1 tie with Canada.

Playing in just their fourth Olympics, Malaysia will have been buoyed by the assured performances of 20-year-old midfielder Boon Huat Chua and back Bakar Nor Azlan, 22.

With an average age of just over 24, they have much to look forward to on the international stage.

Canada also went winless in Pool B, leaving Milkovich to lament a lack of killer instinct among his men.

"We seem to have lost our confidence when we should have total control of the game," Milkovich said. "I'm so disappointed... we should have players who play with heart."

(Australia's James Elmer (L) tackles Korea's Woon-Kon Yeo)

(c) Reuters Limited.