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

Monchengladbach, Sep 13 (UNI) Playing an attacking game, defending champions Germany outplayed South Africa 5-0 to brighten their chances of making it to the semi-finals of the Hockey World Cup here.

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'.

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 last night.

The Africans conceded an early goal when Christopher Zeller shot home in the fourth minute before the rival defence could settle down. But after this, the hosts had to wait for another 28 minutes to increase the lead.

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

The hosts, after missing a few good openings, 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 the South African defence caving in as they conceded three goals in last five minutes.

Oliver Hentschel's stunning reverse flick 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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