New Delhi:
Defending champions Germany outclassed New Zealand 5-2 on Tuesday to join England and Australia in the semi-finals of the men's field hockey World Cup.
The Germans led 2-0 at half-time through goals by Christophe Menke in the 15th minute and Florian Fuchs in the 28th.
Philip Witte made it 3-0 soon after the interval, but New Zealand hit back with two goals in four minutes from Shea McAleese and Nicholas Wilson.
The powerful Germans sealed their supremacy over the Black Sticks when Moritz Furste and Matthias Witthaus scored twice in as many minutes, both goals coming from rebounds off penalty corners.
Germany, looking for a hat-trick of World Cup titles to add to the Beijing Olympic gold medal, ended the league stage unbeaten in group A with three wins and two draws.
The second semi-final spot from the group will be decided after the match between the Netherlands and South Korea later on Tuesday.
The Dutch, who have 10 points against Germany's 11, need a draw to advance to the knock-out rounds.
The Koreans, Asia's lone survivor after India and Pakistan crashed out early, need a big win to move to 10 points and better the Dutch on goal difference.
Favourites Australia and European champions England have already qualified for the semi-finals from group B.
New Zealand finished with two wins and three losses.