Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 3 (IANS) German coach Markus Weise said his team’s 6-0 triumph over Canada Wednesday has given them an edge over other Pool A teams as the fight for the two semi-final spots gets tougher in the Hockey World Cup here.
Defending champions Germany scored their first win of the tournament after being held 2-2 by South Korea in their first match.

“There is nothing to complain about once you have a 6-0 scoreline in your favour,” said Weise. “The goal difference will help us qualify for the semi-finals as the group is getting tougher, but we are also getting competitive.”

Weise was also satisfied with the conversion rate of penalty corners. Germany missed as many as six penalty corners against South Korea.

“I am happy that today we had a good conversion rate. We got eight penalty corners and converted three. So, in this match we have made use of the opportunities. We will keep it going,” he said.

German captain Maximilian Muller said his young side is improving with every match.

“We have a young side but they have the potential to take us ahead to the semis or may be to the title victory here,” he said. “We drew our first match against Korea but today the team has performed really well as we controlled 70 per cent of the match.”

Muller predicted England and Australia to qualify from Pool B, while it will be Netherlands and Germany from Pool A.

“India still have a chance but they have to win all their remaining matches.”

He said the pitch at the Major Dhyan Chand National stadium has now become a lot even than what it was at the start of the tournament.