KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9: Pakistan managed only a narrow 3-2 win over a second string side from arch-rival India in the Azlan Shah Cup Tournament at the National Hockey Stadium on Friday.

While Pakistan would welcome the three points that came with the win, they had difficulty in overcoming the Indian side, comprising of 10 junior players.

"We allowed the Indians too much space in the first half but this was rectified in the second half," said Pakistan coach Roelant Oltmans. "Matches between these two countries always bring the best out of the players and it makes no difference if the players are from the junior ranks.

"We tried out some different tactics in the match and to me we are still experimenting hence our performance will see some ups and downs." Pakistan had lost to India in the final of the Asia Cup at the same venue in September and also played second fiddle in the Afro Asian Games in Hyderabad last October.

"Once again our frailties in the penalty corner defence was exposed and we need to improve on this aspect," said Indian coach Harendra Singh. "The young players in the side showed much composure and were not overawed by the opponents and this is a good sign for Indian hockey."

Pakistan were awarded a penalty corner as early as the fourth minute but Sohail Abbas sent his attempt wide. But the master executioner was not to be denied as he converted the next penalty corner in the 13th minute to give Pakistan the lead.

India started playing with more purpose and against the run of play they found the equalizer. Skipper Dhanraj Pillay went on one of his trademark solo runs and released the ball to Arjun Hallapa on the right.

Pakistani keeper Salman Akhbar saved his attempt but Baljeet Singh Dhillon picked up the rebound to put India on level terms. India started playing with confidence and were duly rewarded when Rajpal Singh scored to put them 2-1 ahead in the 19th minute. But Sohail proved that he has not lost his scoring touch by converting Pakistan's fifth penalty corner in the 28th minute to put the teams on level terms going into the half-time break.

And Sohail ensured that Pakistan won its second consecutive match by scoring off another penalty corner in the 50th minute. Spain provided the first shock of the tournament when they defeated Australia 3-1.

They owe the win to the deadly finishing of Santiago Freixa Escude, who scored two goals in the match to take his personal tournament tally to four.

Spain opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Victor Sojo Gimenaz but Australia were on level terms in the 26th minute when Travis Brooks picked up a rebound from a penalty corner to slot it home.

The Aussies forced a total of six penalty corners in the first half but were unable to capitalise further. Seven minutes into the second half Santiago struck to put the Spaniards 2-1 ahead. His second and Spain's third goal was a gem in the 58th minute as he went on a solo run from the halfway line before unleashing an unstoppable reverse hit which left Australian keeper Mark Hickman no chance.

A late surge by world champions Germany overcame a gutsy Malaysian side 4-2 and saw them go top of the standings.

The Germans were staring at a defeat until the 59th minute but in a ten-minute spell scored three goals to deny the Malaysians a historic win.

Bjoern Michel put the Germans ahead in the 17th minute by converting a penalty corner but Malaysia drew level through the effort of Ismail Abu who deftly lifted his shot over an onrushing German keeper Arnold Clemens in the 21st minute.

Mohd Amin Rahim gave Malaysia a 2-1 lead when he converted a penalty stroke awarded when K. Gobinathan's strike was stopped by Phillip Crone on the goal line with his foot.

The Malaysians then fell back into defence and paid the price by conceding a penalty corner in the 59th minute, which was converted by Bjoern Emmerling.

Michel scored a gem of a goal in the 66th minute to put Germany 3-2 ahead before Tobias Hentschel capitalized on an error by Malaysian skipper S. Kuhan in the 69th minute to make the final score 4-2.

Saturday's fixture: