Eastern hopes head west on World Cup day six

Any lingering hopes of an Asian winner at the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi disappeared on day six when Korea capitulated to New Zealand 2-1.
The Asian champs put in a thoroughly unimpressive performance and were flattered in the scoreline by a 70th minute penalty stroke. The Blacksticks on the other hand looked like a side starting to relish the challenge of the World Cup with Ryan Archibald to the fore in producing some end-to-end hockey.
The results leave the unbeaten Germany and Netherlands in charge of the semi-final spots in group A, with their clash on Sunday likely to be crucial in deciding the 1/2nd placings. The Kiwis are still in with a sniff, however - a good result against Argentina on Sunday and somem heroics in their final group game against Germany could see them in a coveted semi-final spot.
Andy Hayward gave the improving Blacksticks the lead over Korea with a 9th minute with a PC drag-flick, low to keeper Lee Myung-Ho's left. The second followed in the 22minute - captain for the day Dean Couzins netting from the penalty spot, again low to keeper's left, after a goal-bound ball collected a Korean foot. The smartest move of the day was the Kiwis choosing their white alternate strip, rather than baking in black - the sun is shines on the pitch for most of the first half with 4.30pm games.
Second-up Netherlands disposed of Canada 6-0 without ever looking really impressive (especially with the scores level at half-time) - but they are improving and are masters of pacing themselves through tournaments. Goals from Taeke Taekema (Pc,PC, 41, 63), Roger Hofman (FG, FG 48, 56), Ronald Brouwer (FG, 43) and Rob Reckers (FG, 53).
The Argentina-Germany game was the pick of the day's matches, with the Argentinians never-say-die spirit winning over the crowd in the Dhyan Chand Stadium.
If it was not for a brilliant diving save by Tim Jessault from a reverse-stick hit (sorry didn't get the striker) with nine minutes on the clock, Argentina would have gained at least a draw. They dominated the last quarter of the game and look the best of the teams that won't make the semi-finals - but with three losses (two by a knife-edge) they may not come out of the World Cup with the credit, or placing, they deserve.
Martin Zwicker opened the scoring in the 5th minute (FG), Lucas Vila then equalised in the next minute for Argentina. Zwicker then restored the lead turning in a PC after 14minutes. Matthias Witthaus made it 3-1 Germany (FG) in the 23rd and lesser teams would (and have) capitulated against the black machine.
Matias Paredes swept in a partly blocked Pedro Ibarra penalty corner in the 34th minute. Martin Haner steadied the German nerves finishing a clever four-man corner move in the 45th. Still the Argentinians came forward and Ibarra netted a corner in the 56th minute to set up the grandstand finish.

Day Seven Preview
Australia vs Spain and England vs India are the key matches in group B on day seven - upsets here and the group will open right up. The South Africa-Pakistan clash is hard to pick and the contrasting styles might produce an exciting match