KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan came back from a goal down to snatch a 1-1 draw against Belgium and qualified for Junior World Cup (JWC) quarter-finals on Saturday.
The Green Shirts last qualified for the JWC quarter-finals in Rotterdam in 2005.
Belgium, who needed a win in the Group D match to make the knockout stage, took the lead through Jack Vloeberghs in the third minute off a penalty corner at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
However, Pakistan, coached by Dutchman Roelant Oltmans, equalised through Arbaz Ahmad off a penalty corner in the 42nd minute.
Pakistan finished second in the group with one win and two draws. They held favourites Netherland to a 3-3 draw and outplayed New Zealand 4-0 earlier.
Former champions Pakistan will face Group C winners Spain in the quarter-finals. Group D champions Netherlands will meet Group C runners-up India while France will meet Group A runners-up Australia.
Group A champions Argentina will square off against Group B runners-up Germany.
Oltmans said: "I praised my players for defending well and not allowing Belgium to create chances. I'm happy that Pakistan have qualified for the quarter-finals after 18 years."
Belgium coach Jeroen Baart said he was disappointed with his team for failing to reach the quarter-finals. "The boys are sad and I, too, am sad as our target was to qualify for the last eight," said Baart.
Quarter-finals fixtures
Dec 12
Argentina v Germany (9am)
Netherlands v India (11.15am)
France v Australia (3.45pm)
Spain v Pakistan (6pm)
