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Germany Defeats Netherlands In World Cup Match in Malaysia VOA Sports 3 Mar 2002 22:57 UTC 
Bjorn Michel has scored a goal from a penalty-corner to lead Germany's men's team to a shocking 1-0 win over Olympic gold medalist and defending champion the Netherlands, at the field hockey World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Michel's drag-flick rocketed into the upper right corner of the net in the 57th minute Sunday, to propel Germany to first place in the Pool-A standings. They now have 15 points from six matches. The Dutch side is in second place with 13 points from six games, and needs a win over lowly-ranked South Africa to advance to the semifinals. South Africa got its first win of the tournament, beating Belgium 3-0.
Four-time world champion Pakistan bounced back into contention with a resounding 2-0 win over Spain, with goals in the 60th and 67th minutes. Pakistan must beat Germany by at least two goals in their final round robin match in order to advance. Argentina defeated New Zealand 3-1, but is a longshot to advance with 12 points, while Spain is also unlikely to make the semifinals with 11 points.
The top two teams from each eight-team pool advance to the semifinals on March 7. The final will be played March ninth at Malaysia's 18-thousand-seat National Hockey Stadium.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
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