Germany thrash South Africa 5-0, brighten chances for Semis

Monchengladbach, Sep 12 (UNI) Playing an attacking game defending champion Germany outplayed South Africa 5-0 to brighten their chance of making it to the semifinals of the Hockey world Cup here today.

Germany and Korea are levelled at ten points each from four matches and they take on each other in the last league match of the pool 'b' tomorrow.

For the winners, who led 2-0 at half time, Christopher Zeller (4th), Matthias Witthaus (32nd, 66th), Oliver Hentschel (63rd), and Sebastian Biuederlack (68th) scored.

The Africans conceded an early goal when Christopher Zeller shot home before the rival defence could settle down. This happened in the 4th minute but after that, the hosts had to wait for another 28 minutes to increase the lead.

In between Africans survived many anxious moments while making couple of counter attacks.

The hosts after missing a few good opening struck in the 32nd minute with Matthias Witthaus, deflecting a cross from the left (2-0).

The second session saw total domination by the Germans who virtually camped in the African half but could not penetrate the defence.

However repeated assaults finally led to African defence caving in as they conceded three goals in last five minutes.

Oliver Hentschel with a stunning reverse shot beat the defenders and goal keeper to make it 3-0 in the 63rd minute. Three minutes later Matthias Witthaus struck for the second time when he surprised the defence to shot home the fourth goal and two minutes before the final hooter Sebastian Biederlock completed the tally when he sent the ball into the cage (5-0).

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