South Korea fought back superbly from a goal deficit to stun three-time champions the Netherlands 2-1 in an action-packed match but that was not enough to qualify for the semifinals of the hockey World Cup on Tuesday.

The lower-ranked South Koreans took control of the game from towards the end of the first half to inflict the Dutch their first defeat in the World Cup in front of a sparse crowd under floodlights at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.

The South Koreans, who had beaten the Dutch in their last three international matches, twice in 2009 and once in 2008 -- all in the Champions Trophy -- fought back with goals from Hyun Woo Nam Hyun Woo Nam (31st) and Jong Ho Seo (45th).

Despite the loss, the Netherlands pipped South Korea to the post for a semifinal berth on goal difference though they have the same points -- 10 each from three wins, one draw and one loss.

The Dutch, who finished second in Pool A behind Germany (11 points) had a goal difference of 10 (15 scored and five conceded) while the South Koreans, who finished third in the pool, had eight (16 scored and eight conceded).

Germany saw off a late challenge from New Zealand to score a thumping 5-2 victory and booked a semifinal berth.

The Defending champions went ahead 3-0 effortlessly early into the second half through goals from Christoph Menke (15th minute), Florian Fuchs (28th) and Philip Witte (47th).

The world number one Germans, gunning for a hat-trick of titles, then scored twice in the space of two minutes towards close through Moritz Furste (63rd) and Matthias Witthaus (64th) to romp home with a morale-boosting vicrtory.

After three wins and two draws, Germany ended the Pool A engagements with 11 points.

The Black Sticks made a fightback with goals from Shea Mcaleese (50th) and Wilson Nicholas (54th).

New Zealand failed to qualify for the semifinals with six points from five matches.