The Olympic bronze medallists were pushed throughout the duration of the match at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Spain, narrow 2-1 winners against Ireland in the opening knock-out tie, took the lead in the opening quarter as Ricardo Sanchez found the German net, having also opened the scoring in the quarter-final match on Wednesday (July 19).

Ferdinand Weinke levelled for Germany in the 55th minute, which eventually set-up a shootout between the teams.

Germany triumphed 4-3, with Tobias Walter crucially saving from Enrique Gonzalez.

Christopher Ruhr then scored the winning penalty.

The result keeps German hopes of a double success in Johannesburg alive, with their women’s team having advanced to a final yesterday.

The men’s team will Belgium, after they overcame Australia 2-1 in the second semi-final.

Goals from Cédric Charlier and Amaury Keusters gave Belgium a 2-0 cushion, but Jeremy Hayward reduced the deficit from a penalty corner.

Belgium were able to hold on in the closing stages to book their place in the final.

All four semi-finals are assured of places at next year’s Hockey World Cup.

Classification matches will take place in the men’s event tomorrow, with Ireland face New Zealand for fifth place, after Egypt and France clash for seventh.

Japan will take on South Africa to decide fifth place in the women’s event, while India will hope to seal seventh when they play Ireland.