Spain beat Germany 3-2

Chennai:

Santi Frexia's brace helped holders Spain keep themselves on course to defend the title as they shut out eight-time winners Germany with a 3-2 win in a nail-bitting finish in their last league match of the Champions Trophy on Friday. The match witnessed dramatic scenes towards the end with Spain leading 2-0 in the second half but the Germans recovered and scored through a penalty corner in the dying moments to change the scoreline to 3-2. But even as the danger appeared to have been averted, umpire John Wright awarded another penalty corner for an infringement just as the hooter went off. Spanish players protested and pleaded with the other umpire David Leiper. Wright then consulted Leiper and withdrew his decision much to the relief of Spanish players. With this win, Spain have increased their tally to nine points but their place in the final would be decided only after the result of the next match between India and Netherlands. The Dutch with seven points can end Spain's campaign if they beat India. Australia have already entered the final by virtue of four straight victories. Their last match with Pakistan later today is inconsequential. Germany finished their league engagements with five points. Frexia scored in the 4th minute and then in the 47th minute while Ramon Alegre increased the margin in the 57th minute. For losers Germany, Niklas Meinert (51) and Matthias Witthaus scored. (PTI)