Germany beat Australia 1-0 in Pool A on Tuesday (7th September) to reach the semi-finals of the women's hockey World Cup in Rosario, Argentina.
Favourites Netherlands, the reigning world and Olympic champions, are also through to the last four after a 5-2 victory over Japan that left them top of the group. While New Zealand beat India 3-0 to avoid finishing bottom of the pool.
The Kiwis scored three goals in 10 minutes, two by captain Kayla Sharland, to rescue some credibility from the championship.
Favourites Netherlands, the reigning world and Olympic champions, were assured first place in the pool with a 5-2 victory over Japan that gave them 25-8 goals record in five matches.
Maartje Paumen took her goals tally to 10 when she flicked in two penalty corners as the Dutch went 5-0 ahead. They ten relaxed to allow Japan's Kaori Chiba to score twice in two minutes in reply but they still won the match by a large scoreline.
The Dutch will face England for a place in the final. Germany are also through to the last four after beating Australia 1-0 in Pool A, where they will meet hosts Argentina.
Germany defender Tina Bachman scored the only goal from a 43rd-minute penalty corner in a tight final Pool A match. The victory in the closing game of Pool A gave Germany 12 points and second place.
The semi-finals are on Thursday with the final on Saturday. The other eight teams will play off for fifth to 12th place. AP
