For the first time in the history of the Junior World Cup, no Asian team will see action in the semi finals.Germany, four time winners of the trophy (1982, 1985, 1989 and 1993) will take on Australia whose only trophy was in 1997 at Milton Keynes.
In the other semi final, Holland, who have yet to win the trophy will square off against New Zealand who are making their first appearance in the semi finals since the JWC was inaugurated in 1979.
Since 1997, the runner up of the previous tournament has gone on to emerge as champions in the following edition, India did it at Hobart in 2001,after finishing runner up in Milton Keynes four years earlier, while Argentina who finished runner up in 2001 emerged as champions in 2005 in Rotterdham.
So going by that equation, Australia who lost to Argentina in the 2005 edition should go on to win the tournament here, but they will find the going tough against the Germans.
Though New Zealand lost 2-0 to Australia, they went through as South Korea failed to win against Pakistan.
Australia scored through Joshua Pollard in the 26th minute and Aaron Kleinschmidt in the 33rd minute.
Pakistan showed what good sportsmen they are when they did not hold back as they defeated South Korea 5-1.
For Pakistan, besides giving them the opportunity to play for the 5/6th placing, the match offered nothing more then salvaging their pride.
But rather then doing an “Asian Solidarity”, for South Korea could have qualified had New Zealand lost, Pakistan played one of their better games in the tounament.
Abbas Haider opened scoring in the 4th minute before Mohd Zubair extended their lead.
Haseem Khan scored the third goal in the 29th minute and the Koreans were shocked.
Two more goals via Mohd Zubair (45th minute) and Hassem (68th minute) ensured Pakistan a top six finish as the Koreans who scored a consolation via Kang Moon Kyu in the final minute, were left dumbfounded as to what happened.
Malaysia drew 2-2 against Egypt to assure themselves of a place in the 11/12 against Belgium on Saturday.
Meanwhile Chile defeated United States of America 2-1 in a match played at the JB Hockey Stadium.
Chile opened scoring through Steven Richter in the 12th minute and extended their lead when Martin Rodriguez attempt was deflected into goal by USA keeper Kevin Segeren. Jonathan Ginolfi reduced the deficit in the 63rd minute for USA.
Chile will play Russia for the 17/18 placing while USA will take on hosts Singapore to see who avoids the wooden spoon.
EARLIER REPORT
Holland and Germany played to a 1-1 draw at the Sengkang Hockey Stadium Group E tie this evening.
Thus Holland top the Group and will play the runner up of Group F, to be determined after the Australia v New Zealand match later tonight, also at Singapore.
Should Australia win, then Korea could sneak into the last four if they defeat Pakistan by three goals in a match that starts simultaneously in Johor Baru. And Australia will lock horns with Germany for a place in the final.
A New Zealand win will give them top spot, hence a semis tie against Germany. Should the match end in a draw, the it will be Holland v New Zealand and Germany v Australia in the semis scheduled for Friday night.
Germany took the lead in the 12th minute through Jan Fleckhaus but Holland equalized through Jan Willem Buissant in the 38th minute.
Meanwhile European champions Spain lost 4-1 to Argentina and will now play for the 7/8th placing.
Spain opened scoring through Gabriel Dabanch as early as the eight minute and held on to the lead going into the halftime breather.
However Argentina scored two goals in the space of two minutes through Juan Cruz Agulleiro in the 40th and Nahuel Salis in the 42nd minute.
The South Americans added another two goals through Martin Gabriel Genharot (49th minute) and Leandro Tolini (56th minute).
They will now await the result of Pakistan v South Korea and Australia v New Zealand to find out who they will play for the 5/6th spot.
Meanwhile Belgium blanked Japan 6-2 in a match played at Johor Bahru. They will play either Malaysia or Egypt for the 11/12th placing on Saturday, depending on the result of the match between the two teams later today.
In Singapore, India vented their frustration of missing out of the top eight by demolishing England 9-0. They will now take on Poland who assured themselves of a top ten finish when they defeated South Africa 5-4 in a match played this morning.
