Spain stun Germany to reach final of indoor world cup hockey

Vienna, Feb 18 (UNI) Spain eves stunned defending champions Germany 4-3 in the semi-final of the Samsung Hockey Indoor World Cup to set up a title clsh with the Netherlands here.

The Dutch booked an easy 8-0 victory over Ukraine in the other semi-final.

Meanwhile, world champions Germany and Poland will play in the final of the men's competition.

Germany defeated Spain 3-2 while Poland were just better then Czech Republic in their 4-2 victory.

The Spaniard's victory over Germany in the women's section was mainly due to their goalkeeper Maria Jesus Rosa who made a string of wonderful saves throughout the match.

Julia Muller scored an excellent field goal for Germany in the fourth minute, but Spain stunned the crowd with a quick equalizer from captain Silvia Munoz, who finished off a slick passing move.

Germany then fell behind for the first time in the tournament when Nuria Camon made it 2-1 for Spain. To the frustration of the Germans, Munoz scored another field goal for Spain to go 3-1 up by half time.

Germany looked in shock, but started the second half brilliantly with goals from Marion Rodewald and Jennifer Plass to tie the scores.

However, Munoz scrambled the ball over the line to complete her hat-trick in the 38th minute and seal a shock win.

In the second women's semi-final, captain Marieke Dijkstra (one), Belle van Meer (two), Alessia Padalino (two), Joelle Hoebert (one), Jolanda Plijter and Claire Verhage were the scorers for the Netherlands.

UNI