South Africa stun Germany in hockey

TOKYO: South Africa produced the biggest shock of the Tokyo Olympics men's hockey tournament so far when they stunned former champions Germany 4-3 in a Pool B match on Thursday.

Though the result kept South Africa alive in the race for quarterfinals, it may not be enough as they would need not only for results to go in their favour but also for a dramatic change in goal-difference if they are to catch the Germans, who ended the day fourth in the Pool B standings.

Three-time champions Germany, who won the title in 1996, 2008 and 2012, started off well when Timm Herzbruch fired home a penalty corner. However, South Africa were level just a minute later thanks to a penalty corner conversion by Matt Guise-Brown, who slammed a rocket against the backboard.

Keenan Horne put South Africa ahead on the stroke of first quarter, but goals from Lukas Windfeder and Constantin Staib swung the match back in Germany's favour, earning them a 3-2 half-time lead.

Germany battered South Africa throughout the third period, but a superb counter-attack goal inspired by Dayaan Cassiem resulted in Nicolas Spooner levelling the scores at 3-3.

The winner came off the stick of Dayaan's younger brother Mustaphaa Cassiem. The 19-year-old was stunned when he saw his superb cross ending up in the goal via a Germany stick, giving South Africa a famous victory over the European giants. IANS

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