Hockey: Rating lift in sight

New Zealand can improve their world ranking from 16 to as high as ninth over the next two days of classification matches at the World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

With two wins and five losses in pool play, the New Zealanders finished sixth out of eight teams and will play for ninth-to-12th place in classification matches starting tonight.

New Zealand's opponents will be Japan and a victory will see them face the winners of a match between Spain and India for ninth place.

"Our goal at the start was to finish the tournament in the top eight," New Zealand coach Kevin Towns said. "Obviously we've missed out on that, but we can get ninth, so that's a goal we've set ourselves."

Germany, the Netherlands, and South Korea have joined Australia in the semifinals.

Australia completed their 100 per cent record with a 4-3 win over India in their final group B game.

Germany, who beat the Dutch defending champions on Monday, topped New Zealand's group A with 18 points from seven games, beating Pakistan 3-2 in sweltering heat yesterday.

The Netherlands overwhelmed South Africa 3-0 to finish runners-up in group A with 16 points, one point ahead of Argentina.

South Korea were beaten 2-0 by England but still finished second behind Australia in group B, two points ahead of hosts Malaysia, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Poland.

Today's semifinals pit South Korea against Germany and Australia against the Netherlands.

- NZPA