Olympic champions Australia became the first team to enter the semi-finals of the 11th FIH men's hockey World Cup after romping to a 7-1 victory over traditional rivals New Zealand [Images], in Monchengladback, Germany [Images], on Tuesday.
The result took Australia's tally to nine points. They play Pakistan (5 points) in their concluding league fixture on Wednesday.
The Aussies are currently at the top of Pool A, ahead of Spain, who have eight points with two matches to go, while the Kiwis completed their league engagements with seven.
Australia put on an awesome exhibition of firepower with Jamie Dwyer (2nd, 64th minutes), Michael McCann (26th), Troy Elder (32nd), Matthew Naylor (48th), Travis Brooks (56th) and
Luke Doerner (66th) doing the scoring.
The only respite that the Kiwis had was in the opening 20 minutes when the Aussies, after scoring early, relaxed and the New Zealanders slotted in their only goal.
Mitesh Patel picked a rebound off goalkeeper Stephen Mowlam, who had blocked a Hayden Shaw penalty-corner attempt in the 21st minute.
Thereafter, the Aussies took command and ruthlessly cut open their opponents. It was as perfect a game that any team could play.
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