Germany must sit it out until after tonight's crucial clash between Holland and Australia to find out whether or not they have qualified for the semi finals. After beating Korea 3-2 the Germans moved in to second place behind Holland, leaving the reigning Olympic champions the unenviable task of having to beat the Dutch to progress to the last four.
Content to let Korea run at them, the German defence held firm as their opponents earned most of the possession but struggled throughout the match to break in to the circle and create clear cut chances. In contrast, Germany found the net twice in the first half to go 2-0 ahead before Korea replied.
A third German goal in the 59th minute forced Korea to chase the game but despite putting Germany under pressure for prolonged periods they only breached the defence in the final minute.
In the battle to avoid last place in Pool B, New Zealand recorded their first win in the tournament beating Spain 3-2. In a niggly affair with both sides struggling in searing temperatures, Spain twice came from behind to level the scores before Lizzy Igasan converted a 50th minute penalty stroke to seal victory.
Marcus Weise (Germany coach)
"It's not in our hands any more although we lost a place in the semi finals two days ago when we lost to South Africa. We'll relax, maybe watch the game on tv or attend a function at the German embassy. I was pleased with our performance and most importantly, we avoided the fate of finishing last in the group."
Kim Sang Ryul (Korea coach)
"Our forward line was terrible. They had plenty of chances but their finishing was awful. They have no confidence. Germany's defence was very structured and their defenders have a long reach - they're playing well.
I'll be hapy to finish in the top six in the tournament and then I'll be giving up coaching women's teams. I can't understand them at all - I don't seem able to get inside their heads!"
Suzie Muirhead (New Zealand captain)
"I'm very relieved, it was tough and niggly. We wanted to finish in the top six and now we have the opportunity to do that. I'd rather meet Germany in the next match because we've played them a lot recently and know them well."
Ian Rutledge (New Zealand coach)
"I'm very pleased with the win. I thought then players did exceptionally well in the circumstances and in the intense heat because Spain are used to it. This win will give us confidence and keeps alive our hopes of finishing in the top six."
