Germany rub salt into SA’s wounds

JOHANNESBURG: Missed opportunities in the first half and conceding three goals in the second period led to South Africa’s second defeat in the World League Hockey League SemiFinals in Johannesburg, by four goals to three.

The Proteas yesterday bossed the world’s third-ranked team early on, and launched an impressive fightback in the final quarter of the match as they scored two goals and threatened to claim a fourth to level the scores.

The home side would have been satisfied with their showing in the opening and closing quarters of the game, which they dominated. It was not enough to claim a famous victory over the Germans, who scored three goals in the third quarter.

After South Africa squandered four penalty-corners the Germans took the lead courtesy of Moritz Trompertz.

The second half got off to a disappointing start for South Africa with Niklas Wellen producing some individual brilliance to sneak the ball past keeper Rassie Pieterse. Germany added their third only two minutes later with Pieterse managing to defend the onslaught twice from a penalty-corner only for Mats Grambusch to land the telling blow.

Playing in his 150th international for South Africa, Austin Smith finally hit a shot into the top of the net from a penalty corner in the 37th minute.

Germany immediately stretched their lead to three goals with Timm Herzbruch getting onto the scoresheet.

The final quarter belonged to the South Africans. Smith got his second from another penalty corner in the 50th minute, and Jonty Robinson narrowed the deficit to one goal with less than five minutes left on the clock.

Lying fourth in their Pool B, SA will be hoping to capitalise on their opportunities when they go up against Egypt tomorrow.