Ipoh (Malaysia): World champion Germany became the first team to qualify for the final of the 12th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after beating host Malaysia 2-1 in a closely fought match on Friday.

Germany has won all its three matches in the tournament – beating Pakistan 4-3 and South Korea 2-0 – and will wrap up its preliminary round campaign against New Zealand on Saturday.

Malaysia, the Asian Games bronze medallist, has lost all four matches and is out of the play-off for third and fourth placings.

New Zealand and Pakistan, both with six points, are battling to meet Germany in the final while South Korea, on three points, has an outside chance of reaching the final if it beats Pakistan on Friday.

The Malaysians put up a gallant performance on Friday but lacked the experience and fitness to overcome the Germans who relied on their power-pack penalty corners.

In a match played after a heavy downpour, both teams created many chances in the first 35 minutes but failed to break the deadlock.

In fact, a superb display by Malaysian goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin denied the Germans on many occasions. Germany looked more dangerous after the interval but it took it 20 minutes to penetrate Malaysia's tight marking.

Justus Scharowsky converted a penalty corner in the 55th minute before Christoph Bechmamm strengthened Germany's lead with the second goal in the 64th minute after collecting a neat past from Michael Green.

Just two minutes before the end, Azlan Misron scored a consolation goal for the home side but it was too late to hold the Germans. The final and the play-off will be held on Sunday.

Five teams took part in the tournament after India withdrew at the 11th hour.

Agencies