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Olympic gold medalists Germany warded off stiff first half resistance from Japan before prevailing 3-1 to book their spot in the quarterfinals of the 2nd men’s FIH Hockey World League Round 3 event, being played in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
The Germans looked to seize the initiative and nearly scored in the 5th minute when talented Christopher Ruehr’s effort was well saved by Japanese goalkeeper Katsuya Takese.
The black-and-white brigade soon took the lead when Pilt Arnold drilled in a fierce cross from the right, which was inadvertently guided by Japanese fullback Manabu Yamashita under the body of the helpless Katsuya Takese.
Japan were far from being intimidated by the early German strike.
The 16th ranked side evened the contest ten minutes later after captain Kojo Kayukawa converted a penalty stroke, beating German goal-tender Nicolas Jacobi hands down following a foul committed by Tobias Hauke.
Earlier, the match was delayed by 15 minutes due to persistent rain.
Germany dominated proceedings but often failed to deliver the killer blow in the Japanese ‘D’.
Both teams were tied at half-time.
Germany started to make their opportunities count in the second stanza.
2012 FIH Young Player of the Year Florian Fuchs helped Germany regain the lead slamming home a powerful backhand shot.
Germany put the contest beyond Japan in the 61st minute when Christopher Zeller scored his third goal of the tournament – he has scored in every match of the tournament so far.
However, Germany had to finish second in Pool A after Argentina humbled Korea 3-0 to take the bragging rights.
The contest remained goalless in the first half before it opened up in the second stanza.
Facundo Callioni gave the Las Leonas the lead in the 55th minute – scoring his third goal of the tournament.
Matias Paredes extended the lead two minutes later.
Gonzalo Peillat, whose goal helped his side force a 1-1 draw in their opening tie, fired home a penalty corner with two minutes remaining for the final hooter.
