The first semi-final started in a hot atmosphere, with memories of the 1986 semi-final between the two countries when England had won in a dramatic overtime. The young German team was the first in action and forced a penalty-corner in the 6th minute, scored by Jan-Marco MONTAG despite James FAIR in the English goal catching a piece of the shot. England thought that they had equalized shortly after by Alastair BROGDON but the goal was denied and it is Germany who scored next by Oliver KORN sneaking behind the English defenders to deflect in goal a cross by Florian WOESCH.

England settled down and took control of play for a while and were rewarded of their activity around the circle by a penalty-corner. Richard SMITH blasted a direct shot right through the pads of Tim JESSULAT in the German goal to reduce the gap. They were then saved by a phenomenal reflex save by James FAIR in goal and defended well another penalty-corner to keep the game within reach, but they could not do much on the next penalty-corner scored by Martin HÄNER after an elaborate combination that left the English defense mystified.

England came after the break decided to fight back and created some hot situation in the German circle. However, English playmakers Barry MIDDLETON and Ashley JACKSON were kept under close watch and the score did not evolve. England had an opportunity after a good combination between Ashley JACKSON and Iain MACKAY but the ball was lost in the heavy traffic in front of goal. James TINDALL then had a good chance after working hard at the top of the circle to find some space for a reverse shot, but the ball ended marginally over the crossbar.

Germany earned another penalty-corner in the 60th minute after using their referral to the video-umpire and Linus BUTT propelled the rebound high over James FAIR, on the ground after stopping the initial shot. The situation was now looking desperate for England, three goals down with less than 8 minutes to go. To make matter worst, Rob MOORE received a yellow card. They nevertheless pushed hard in the final minutes but to no avail and Germany, the reigning Olympic champions and two time defending world champions, earned their berth for the Final, keeping alive their bid to become the first nation to win the FIH World Cup three times in a row.

Match Facts (Germany v. England):
> Germany qualified for a record equalling third successive World Cup final beating England 4-1.
> Pakistan (1975-1982) and Netherlands (1990-1998) have also featured in three successive World Cup finals.
> Australia can also join this list of teams reaching three successive WC finals, if they beat the Netherlands in the second semi-final this evening.
> Germany has now reached the final in each of their last four major championships: 2008 Olympic Games, 2009 European Championship, 2009 Champions Trophy and 2010 World Cup.
> Reigning Olympic champions and two time defending world champions Germany can become the first nation to win the FIH World Cup three times in a row.
> Germany converted 3 of 6 PCs awarded in this match. They are now on 12 PC goals at Delhi 2010, leading Australia, who are on 9 PC goals going into their semi-final match against The Netherlands.
> Germany had also scored 3 PC goals in their matches against Canada (6-0) and New Zealand (5-2).
> On Saturday, England will play the loser of the Australia – Netherland match in the bronze medal play-off, in a quest for their second ever World Cup medal. In 1986 England won silver.