Hockey: Germans survive scare to claim first semi-final place

The Germans were the first to stake a semi-final place on the second day of the first World Indoor Cup here yesterday after defeating the Czech Republic 6-3 and then Switzerland 9-6.

Oliver Domke, who scored hat-tricks in both games, said of the Czech game: "It's not a 17-0 victory but we got the points which was important. We just have to get the game behind us."

Germany then beat Switzerland, but not without a few anxious moments. They had a good start with a 14-second goal from Philip Sunkel, but the Swiss came back and went 3-2 up before losing their lead as Germany established an interval advantage of 4-3. The Germans then opened up a three-goal gap only to be pegged back again before Domke completed his second successive treble as the Germans ended with a 9-6 victory despite a late Swiss rally.

Canada's semi-final hopes were put on ice after they scored twice in the last 24 seconds to draw 5-5 with the Czech Republic. In the other half of the men's draw, Poland, lead the way on maximum points in Group B after an 8-3 defeat of Australia.

The Australian women were no match for the Germans, who cruised to a 19-2 victory, with three goals in the final minute, to maintain maximum points in Group A, along with the Czech Republic. The French had a very workmanlike 3-1 victory against Lithuania and are on maximum points in Group B, along with the Netherlands.