Paris — A chaotic ending saw Germany keep alive their bid to add the Olympic men’s title to their world crown after holding off Argentina 3-2.
Three times Germany led, through Teo Hinrichs, Gonzalo Peillat and Justus Weigand. Argentina pulled goals back through Maico Casella and Agustin Mazilli, at 3-2 in the 48th minute.
It set up a grand finale, with Wiegand scoring the winner after Nicolas Wellen had stolen the ball and fed his team-mate who deflected in.
Yet, the final 10 minutes enthralled Yves-du-Manoir. Mats Grambusch was given a green and a yellow while the umpires had their work cut as they tried to calm the players.
“Go away” was a familiar phrase as both teams crowded the officials over fouls and PC disputes.
In the end, it was Jean-Paul Danneburg who twice saved late on with his left glove from PCs to set up a last four date with India.
Earlier, the Netherlands defeated Australia 2-0.
In a tactical battle in the first-half, the Dutch found a way through the Kookaburras through Duco Telgenkamp and Thijs van Dam.
They will play Spain in the semi-finals.
It means that both Tokyo finalists were knocked out on a thrilling day of men’s knock out hockey.
