A better goal difference also came to the rescue of Germany for entering the last four yesterday at the expense of Egypt, who had earlier shocked the pre-tournament favourites in a Pool A encounter.

India, Germany and Egypt, with two victories each, had six points at the end of the league phase but India, with a goal difference of plus nine, topped the group ahead of Germany (+7) and Egypt (-2).

India will take on Poland after today's rest day while South Korea, who beat the hosts 6-0 in their last tie, take on Germany in a clash of two high-profile teams in the other semi-final tomorrow.

Germany put everything at stake in the match since a defeat would have eliminated them from the tournament, but the Indians held them at bay in the first session.

Captain Max Landshaut scored the allimportant goal via a penalty corner conversion in the 56th minute and Germany held on to the lead till the final whistle.

India, who failed to convert six penalty corners including one in the last minute, had a couple of easy chances to take the lead in the first half itself but bungling by the forwards denied them the opportunity.

While Inderjit Singh failed to latch on to a pass from Prabjot Singh for what could have been an easy goal, Prabjot had only the German goalkeeper to beat but passed the ball to another player instead of taking a crack at the goal.

The Germans, playing under pressure, got six penalty corners in all and converted one for the crucial goal.

Korea finished their league engagements as the only undefeated team in the tournament and have also not conceded a goal but scored the highest number of goals (21).

Korea thrashed Poland 6-0 in their last league match, which was of academic interest as the two teams had already made it to the last four stage. Korea led 3-0 at halftime.

Captain Shamen Matrali scored two goals in Egypt's 3-1 victory over Belgium after the two teams were locked 1-1 at the break.

Egypt, unlucky to miss the semi-final berth after their upset victory over the far superior Germans, had to score atleast a dozed goals in their last league match to remain in the tournament in case of a Germany victory over the Indians.

England beat Scotland 4-1 for their first victory after leading 2-0 at half time with Timpenknock getting a brace.