The defending champions now have six points from three matches but have to play Australia and Poland.

Spain and Australia both have seven points from three outings, having own two and a draw against each other.

For Spain, Francisco Fabregas and Javier Arnau scored a goal each while for Pakistan Sohail Abbas converted a penalty corner.

The credit for Spain's victory goes to none other than veteran goalkeeper Ramon Jufresca who not only saved the penalty strokes taken by Pakistan skipper Tahir Zaman, but also dazzled with numerous spectacular saves. Aussie blast: Australia, taking time to warm up, blasted Malaysia 8-0 to all but confirm their progress to the semi-finals from Pool B.

The Malaysians, after promising much in the early part of the match when they kept the Aussie forwards in check,wilted under pressure, especially in the second-half.

Past the half-hour mark, the Aussies opened the scoring through a Jay Stacy penalty corner conversion, and on change of ends, stepped up the pace to demolish the Malaysian pretentions of making a match of it. Stacy went on to score three more goals, while Stephen Davies converted two penalty strokes, and Paul Lewis and Michael Brennan added a goal apiece to complete the rout.

The Aussies have nine points from three games.