Not since England won the silver medal in 1986 has an English team finished higher than the Dutch in a World Cup, but the results from today's matches (Friday) give the English a possible chance of a fifth place if they can overcome Pakistan tomorrow. The Netherland, who started out as favourites to win this competition, can do no better than seventh, having been beaten 3-2 by Pakistan. The England camp were bouyant after their victory over New Zealand earlier today, which puts them into the 5th/6th place match. Jason Lee's boys came out fighting from the bell, but after a period of ten minutes absolute dominance they started to lose possession, eventually falling victim to two Blacksticks' penalty corners. Simon Mantell managed to pull one back from a penalty corner in first half overtime, and were on level terms 10 minutes into the second half through a Glenn Kirkham field goal. The New Zealanders, who remained a threat throughout the match, went ahead 8 minutes later, but a second goal by Simon Mantell and a penalty corner conversion by James Tindall, gave the English a well-deserved victory.
The two semi finals were played today. A lively Korean side took the lead in the 31st minute, but the Aussies eventually settled down and took the match 4-2. The Germans made amends for the uninspiring pool match against the Koreans a few days ago by being partners in a superb display of hockey with the Spanish, which could only be settled by penalty strokes.
