Germany win close match against Argentina 4-3

New Delhi:

Defending Champions Germany scraped past a plucky Argentina 4-3 in a Pool A hockey World Cup match to brighten their chances for a semifinal berth.

In the battle between the top and bottom-ranked sides, world number one Germany were lucky to have won the match against Argentina making a lot of scoring chances and earning more penalty corners (five against three) at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.

Germany, who were clinical in 6-0 drubbing of Canada in their second match, could not control the midfield and their goalkeeper Tim Jessulat saved the side on many occasions including a goal-line clearance in the dying moments.

Martin Zwicker (fifth and 14th minutes), Matthias Witthaus (23rd) and Martin Haner (51st) scored for Germany, while Lucas Martin Vila (sixth), Matias Enrique Paredes (34th) and Pedro Ibarra (55th) found the target for Argentina.

With today's win, Germany, gunning for a hat-trick of titles after their 2002 and 2006 triumphs, are on seven points from two wins and a draw, and are on course for a semifinal berth.

Argentina, on the other hand, are already out of semifinal contention having lost their earlier two matches.