Europe rules in Samsung Indoor World Cup hockey

Vienna, Feb 17 (UNI) Europeans ruled in the Samsung Hockey Indoor World Cup as they booked all the semi-final berths in both men's and women's competitions here.

Czech Republic overpowered Trinidad and Tobago 6-1 to finish second in Group A and join group topper and defending champions Germany while a 4-4 draw against hosts Austria saw Poland topping Group B and reaching the last four round.

Spain defeated Italy 8-3 to emerge Group B runners-up and take the last semi-final berth.

Germany will meet Spain while Poland play Czech Republic in the semi-finals.

In the women's section, Ukraine joined Germany as the semi-finalists from Pool A with a 8-5 victory over Australia.

In Pool B, Netherlands and Spain had already made it to the semi-final but a 5-3 victory in favour of the Netherlands in the match against each other saw the former proceeding to the last four round as group winner.

In the semi-finals, Germany face Spain while the Netherlands play Ukraine for a place in the gold medal match.

UNI