Two-time defending champion Germany on Thursday defeated England 4-1 in the men's Hockey World Cup semi-finals to stay in the hunt for a third straight title.

With the victory, Germany, the 2002 and 2006 World Cup winners, avenged its loss to England in last year's European Cup final.

Germany took the lead when Jan-Marco Montag scored in the sixth minute, which was soon followed by another goal when Oliver Korn deflected in a cross to make it 2-0 in the 10th minute.

England tried to comeback into the game with the help of a goal by Richard Smith, but Martin Haner re-established Germany's two-goal advantage just before the break and Linus Butt rounded off the scoring from a penalty corner.

Earlier, Canada beat Pakistan 3-2 in extra time to finish 11th in the 12-team competition.

Germany will face either Australia or Holland in the final, with the losers of the other semi-final playing England for the bronze medal. (ANI)