Hockey: Germany to face Australia in World Cup final

MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany - World champions Germany beat Spain on penalties and Australia saw off a plucky South Korea in Friday's hockey World Cup semifinals to set up a repeat of the 2002 final on Sunday.

Germany goalkeeper Ulrich Bubolz saved three Spanish penalty flicks, thrilling the noisy, 12,000-strong home crowd after regular time had ended with the team's locked at 2-2 and neither had managed a golden goal in 15 minutes of extra time.

Earlier, Olympic champions Australia beat Korea 4-2 despite trailing twice.

Spain coach Maurits Hendriks said his team's performance had been one of the best during his tenure but had failed to take advantage of the seven penalty corners they were awarded compared with only one for Germany.

"They know they are good enough to win the tournament but that's not to be," he told a news conference, adding that he was confident the team had what it took to beat Korea in the third-place playoff on Sunday.

After a cautious start from both teams in the earlier match, the speedy Koreans took the lead shortly before halftime, Jong Hyun Jang flicking the ball high and powerfully into the net at a penalty corner.

The game came alive at the start of the second half, with Australia levelling through captain Bevan George and South Korea then restoring their advantage with a fine solo effort from Seong Jung Kang.

Australia's Travis Brooks slid home an equaliser after a well-worked corner and then Jamie Dwyer sneaked in at the back post to make it 3-2 with 10 minutes left. Michael McCann added another with just seconds on the clock for 4-2.

Australia coach Colin Batch said his team had gained courage as the match progressed after a tentative start.

"We're well positioned in the recovery stage tomorrow and we'll definitely be well prepared physically for Sunday," he said. Germany beat Australia 2-1 in the 2002 final in Kuala Lumpur.

- REUTERS