• Hockey World Cup

England face Germany in semi-finals

Barry Middleton moves away from Linus Butt © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Where Are They Now?: Steve Batchelor: 'My son scored more goals in his first season than I did in my whole career'
  
• News: England suffer defeat to Spain
  
• News: England hold on to qualify for semi-finals
  
• News: England victory marred by injury
  

England will take on defending champions Germany in the Hockey World Cup semi-finals after the Netherlands' 2-1 defeat to South Korea saw the Olympic champions finish top of Pool A.

As runners-up in Pool B, England will meet Germany in the first semi-final, while Pool B winners Australia will meet the Netherlands in the second of Thursday's semi-finals.

England were the first team to qualify for the semi-finals after their 3-2 victory over India, but defeat to Spain in their final group match saw them drop points for the first time, allowing Australia to top the group, with their 12-0 victory over South Africa securing a vastly superior goal difference.

The two-time defending champions Germany looked in danger of missing out on the semi-finals, after two draws from their opening four matches, but a convincing 5-2 victory over New Zealand guaranteed them safe passage, regardless of the outcome of the Netherlands' clash with Korea.

But Korea's victory, though not enough to secure them a semi-final berth, ensured Germany finsihed top of Pool A after three wins and two draws from their group matches. Netherlands' defeat saw them finish level on points with the Asian champions, but a superior goal difference ensured their qualification for the semi-finals.

Germany are attempting to become the first team in the tournament's history to defend the title for a second time, and as the top ranked team in the tournament, they will be the favourites to reach the final. However, England beat Germany 5-3 last summer to become European champions and they will be confident they can pull off a similar scalp.

Spain will take on South Korea in the play-off for fifth and sixth place, India and Argentina will do battle for seventh and eighth, New Zealand and South Africa for ninth and tenth placings, while Pakistan and Canada will fight to avoid the wooden spoon.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.