WC Hockey: Germany beat England 2-1

MONCHENGLADBACH/GERMANY: Germany moved to the top of Pool B after a 2-1 victory over England at the men's field hockey World Cup Championship on Sunday.            

The win catapults Germany to the head of their group with 7 points, one ahead of South Korea. Earlier Pakistan's 1-1 draw with Spain means both Pakistan and Spain have five points in second place in Pool A while New Zealand lead with seven points.    

Germany struggled to dominate England in the first half until they earned their first penalty corner and Christopher Zeller converted with a flick inside the left post.             

England came back at the end of the first half earning a penalty corner then a penalty stroke, which Simon Mantell drove low and to into the left of goal. Germany was also awarded a penalty stroke early in the second half and Christopher Zeller converted.          

Germany had four penalty corner chances in the second half without success.       

"Germany were better than us but with a little bit of luck we might have gotten something out of the match," said Jason Lee, England's coach.             

"England played well and has improved a lot since the last European Cup," said Bernhard Peters, Germany's coach.         

"England has three or four fast players and some new young players who are playing well," Peters added.