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Korea continue good run against the Dutch

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).

The Dutch still advance to the last four

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 quell New Zealand fightback

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.

Black Sticks made a valiant late charge

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.