Germany stroke out Spain to set up a title clash with Australia

Monchengladbach, Sep 16 (UNI) Lady luck smiled on defending champions Germany as the hosts stroked out a fighting Spain 5-3 (2-2) on penalty shoot out to set up a title clash with Australia in the hockey World Cup here tonight.

It will be the second successive clash between the two countries in the final of a World Cup. In the last edition in Kuala Lumpur, Germany had beaten the Aussies 2-1 to emerge winner.

Earlier in the first semi-final yesterday, Australia beat Korea 4-2.

In a fast paced second semi-final, both the teams were levelled 2-2 at the end of the regulation period and 15 minutes of extra time failed to break the deadlock.

Germany emerged winner in the penalty shoot out converting three strokes as against one by Spain.

In the regulation period, Bjoern Emmerling (19th) and Moritz Fuerste (45th) scored for Germany while Santiago Freixa (27th) and Alex Fabergas(46th) were the goal getters for Spain.

In the penalty shoot out, Christopher Zeller, Timo Wess and Philipp Zeller converted for Germany while Moritz Fuersite missed.

For Spain, only Eduard Tubau could beat German goalkeeper Ulrich Bubolz. While Santiago Freixa and Pol Amat failed to beat Bubolz, Pau Quemada's shot hit the post.

The final is scheduled tomorrow.

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