Germany win, enter quarters
Ex-champs beat Malaysia 5-3 to top group, winner of Netherlands vs Canada tie to face India in last-8
Twice champions Germany gained a direct entry into the World Cup quarterfinals from Pool D on Sunday, but the victory over Malaysia didn’t come easy. They were made to work hard and eventually only scraped through 5-3, after a thrilling affair at the Kalinga Stadium here.
By virtue of winning all three matches, world No 6 Germany topped their group with nine points.
The Netherlands then crushed Pakistan 5-1 in the final league match to finish second in Pool D and will take on Canada on Tuesday. The winner will face India, who have earned a direct qualification as Pool C topper.
Despite the loss, Pakistan managed to enter the crossovers, where they will face Belgium, by finishing third due to a better goal difference over Malaysia after both finished with a point each.
Germany’s victory was far from convincing. For Germany, Timm Herzbruch (2nd and 59th) and Christopher Ruhr (14th and 18th) were on the mark twice each with forward Marco Miltkau (39th) scoring once. For world No 12 Malaysia, Razie Rahim (26th and 42nd) scored a brace with Nabil Noor (28th) scoring one goal.
The Martin Haner-led Germany got as many as nine penalty corners, but converted only one. Malaysia, who knew they had to win to ensure safe passage into the knockouts, looked under pressure at the start with Germany scoring two goals in the first quarter.
Ruhr made it 3-0 in the second quarter with a brilliant field goal.
But Malaysia then discovered their touch and got two back-toback penalty corners, both of which they converted just before half-time to come straight back
into the contest. However, Miltkau once again gave Germany a two-goal cushion in the third quarter, but another straight drag-flick by Rahim put Malaysia back in contention (4-3).
Malaysia, reduced to nine players at one stage, still managed a penalty corner with two minutes to go. It was fended off by Germany’s defence, and they pounced upon their chance as Herzbruch deflected a superb pass to ensure the final win margin for Germany.
Pakistan were no match for the Dutchmen who showed their well-oiled machine. Thierry Brinkman, Valentin Verga, Bob de Voogd, Jorrit Croon and Mink van der Weerden scored a goal each for the winners while Umar Bhutta scored for Pakistan.