New Delhi: Germany took a step closer towards defending their title, surviving a late onslaught from Holland in a gripping semifinal of the Hero Hockey Junior World Cup here on friday night, Germany won 5-3.
It all seemed well in control for the holders  who were ahead 2-0 after strikes from dragflicker Lukas Windfeder  until Holland gave up on their cautious approach. In the second half, they exhibited their aggressive style of play, and were very penetrative in their attacks.
From 1-3 down to 3-3 in the 60th minute, the teams fought hard and fair, trying to outwit each other in skills and attack.
A field effort from Theirry Brinkman and two penalty stroke conversions from Tom Heibendaal brought the game to life (3-3).
Strikers Timur Oruz and Niklas Wellen then ensured Germany had their nose ahead, scoring in the 66th and 68th minutes, as the team booked their place in Earlier, France made it a memorable day, posting a thrilling come-from-behind 3-1 (1-1) win over Malaysia via penalty shootout in the first semi-final.
The chips were down when Malaysia took the early lead  Azri Hasan scoring a field goal in the 4th minute  but France kept fighting in hope of an equaliser. Every effort was met with a staunch Malaysian defence and the scenario continued till the 63rd minute, before Jean-Laurent Keiffer found the net.
France's never-saydie spirit  their USP in this event so far  yet again came to the fore and the team took the fight to the end.
In the shootout, Malaysia's Helmi Jali sounded the boards while Pieter van Straaten missed for France.
But French goalkeeper Edgar Reynaud stood up to the task blocking the next three shots from Syamim Mohammed Yousuf, Firhan Ashari and Shahril Saabah. Simon Brias Martin, Gaspard Baumgarten and Hugo Genestet scored for France, while Viktor Lockwood missed.
