Germany in Azlan Shah final

Germany scored their fifth consecutive victory in as many matches when they beat defending champions Pakistan 5-3 in the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament at the National stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, on Thursday.

The victory not only saw the Germans maintain their unbeaten run in the seven-team tournament but also assured them a place in Sunday's final.

The defeat was Pakistan's second defeat from six matches and dashed whatever hopes they had entertained of making it to the final.

South Korea, who have the 10 points -- same number as Pakistan -- play India in their concluding match of the league on Friday. And only defeat by six goals can deny them a place in the final.

All five goals for Germany came in the first half with only one goal -- Pakistan's third coming in the 40th minute of the second half.

Germany took an early the lead in the 3rd minute through Oliver Domke, which Pakistan equalised in the 4th minute through Kashif Jawwad.

Germany went into the lead, 2-1, in the 9th minute through a penalty-corner.

Germany's captain Florian Kunz made it 3-1 through a stroke in the 19th minute and two minutes later Germany led when Timo Wess converted a penalty-corner. Oliver Domke got the fifth goal.

Sohail Abbas reduced the margin for Pakistan scoring off a penalty-corner.

The second half saw a relaxed German team and Pakistan took the advantage to score their third goal. Kashif Jawwad scored off a German defensive error in the circle.

Complete Coverage: Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament, 2001