Enter semis via shootout; Dutch drub Korea to reach last 4
BHUBANESWAR: 60 seconds. That's all it took Germany to come back into the match and oust a courageous England in the FIH World Cup quarterfinals at the Kalinga stadium here on Wednesday.
The Grambusch brothers – Mats (57th minute) and Tom (58) — scored two back-to-back goals to wipe out England's 2-0 advantage. The match was decided in the shootout and Germany's tactical brilliance came to the fore and they prevailed 4-3 to make their third consecutive semifinals. They will take on Australia for a spot in the final.
In the 11th minute, Stuart Rushmere's skill and speed was on show as he dribbled past the German defenders to set up Zachary Wallace, who tapped the ball past goalkeeper Alexander Stadler to hand England the initial advantage. Liam Ansell doubled the lead in the 32nd minute.
Germany missed a prime opportunity to score with Christopher Ruhr hitting the bar off a penalty stroke withless than five minutes to go. But there was no drop in the intensity. A baseline attack from Moritz Trompertz caught the English off-guard and Mats scored from close range. England looked edgy and were punished for it, with a penalty stroke which was converted by Tom.
Germany switched goalkeepers with their expert Alexander Stadler coming in for the shootout. The Germans outfoxed England goalkeeper Payne with the quick twirl and angular on-the-dot finish.
NETHERLANDS THROUGH
Korea dared Netherlands for the first 30 minutes of their quarterfinals but the match slipped away resulting in the European powerhouse's 5-1 victory.
Netherlands will take on Belgium.
Results: England 3 (James Albery, Phil Roper, Zachary Wallace) lost to Germany 4 (Christopher Ruhr, Thies Prinz, Hannes Muller, Niklas Wellen).
Regulation time: England: 2 (Wallace 11, Liam Ansell 32) & Germany 2 (Mats Grambusch 57, Tom Grambusch 58); Netherlands 5 bt Korea 1.
