South Africa down Belgium

South Africa struggled to a 1-0 victory over Belgium on Tuesday to stay on course for a place in the final of the Champions Challenge hockey tournament.

The winners got the all-important goal in the 51st minute through a field goal from Bruce Jacobs.

The victory put South Africa in second spot behind Malaysia with seven points from four matches.

Argentina are in third place with six points while India are placed fourth on four points.

For the Belgians, their run of defeats continued as they are now the only team without a point in the tournament.

In the extremely humid conditions, it was a listless affair but for South African coach Rob Pullen the win was all important.

"We had to win to stay in touch with the leaders. Hopefully the other teams will crumble under pressure and hand the advantage to us. If India beat Japan then we will be in the play-offs at the very least. Who knows with some luck we can make the final," Pullen said.

To confound matters for the Belgians, they had two players -- Thomas Van den Balck, in the 46th minute, and Fabian Berger, in the 54th, sent off.

Malaysia, Argentina and India each have a match in hand and will take the field on Wednesday in what promises to be a defining session for the tournament.

First up, the Indians will take on the Japanese and only a victory will do for Cedric D’Souza’s boys if they hope to make the final two. India’s last preliminary round match is against fellow pre-tournament favourites Argentina on Thursday.

Current table toppers Malaysia also take the field against the Argentines on Wednesday. Both teams seem to be hitting top form and their clash will be eagerly awaited by home fans as well as the more learned hockey observer.

The home side are riding on a crest, having chalked up three straight wins including a historic 2-1 defeat of India. They can be guaranteed a place in the final with either a victory over Argentina or South Africa on Thursday.

The South Americans are slowly coming into their own, having made up for a shock opening day loss to South Africa to score back-to-back victories over Japan and Belgium.

Still, they may have a mountain to climb as even four points from their final two games against the host nation and India may not be enough to book their final berth.

India, on the other hand, do not have to mull over what is required. Their task is unequivocal. They need nothing less than two wins against Japan and Argentina to stand a ghost of a chance.

On paper, Japan are still in with a ghost of a chance, but that possibility is about as likely as the sun failing to rise from the east.

The final will be played on Sunday.

The winners of the tournament qualify for the Champions Trophy 2002 in Cologne, Germany.

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