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Germany's players celebrate - Source: Reuters -
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Olympic champions Germany will take on tournament favourites
Australia in the men's hockey World Cup final on Sunday.
Top-ranked Germany thrashed England 4-1 in the first semi-final on
Thursday to stay on course for a third straight title before world
number two Australia edged out Netherlands 2-1 in a closely fought
contest.
Germany led 3-1 at halftime and defended solidly in the second half
to stay undefeated in the tournament at a packed Dhyan Chand
National Hockey Stadium.
"The whole team played well," said man of the match Matthias
Witthaus. "Now we are looking forward to win the World Cup. With
this performance there are possibilities."
Germany were 2-0 up by the 11th minute through Jan-Marco Montag and
Oliver Korn.
Montag converted a penalty corner for his third goal of the
tournament while Korn dived to deflect the ball successfully for an
opportunistic goal.
England, who beat Germany in the final of the European championship
last year, rallied strongly and scored through Richard Smith before
Martin Haner scored Germany's third goal. Linus Butt added a fourth
goal 10 minutes from time.
"We were just awesome together. We defended solidly as a team and
allowed just one goal," said Haner.
Luke Doerner scored his second goal of the tourament and Glenn
Turner his sixth to put Australia on top against the Dutch before
penalty corner specialist Taeke Taekema replied.
Canada beat former champions Pakistan 3-2 in extra time to finish
11th in the 12-team competition.
Scott Tupper struck the golden goal in extra time.
