In Pool B, the home fans turned up in their thousands but the Egyptians claimed a vital 2-1 victory at the University of the Witwatersrand.

The North Africans went into the contest knowing that only a win would be enough for them to have any chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

After 29 minutes without a goal, two came in quick succession with Houssam Ghobran’s clever reverse flick putting Egypt in front before Daniel Sibbald levelled for the home side just before half time.

Ghobran netted a second before the end of the third quarter, which proved to be the winner.

South Africa threw everything they had at their opponents, but found goalkeeper Wael Noureldin in inspired form to give his side a vital win.

"I think this is a good win for us, to beat South Africa here," said Egypt captain Ahmed Ezz.

"We didn’t start the competition very well but we have been getting better and nearly got there against Ireland, but today we did it and it is a good three points for us."

In the other match in the group, Germany defeated Belgium 3-2 to move three points clear at the top of Pool B before the final round of matches on Monday (July 17).

Marco Miltkau gave Germany the lead on the stroke of half time before a brilliant solo effort from Arthur van Doren tied the scores early in the third period.

Simon Gougnard gave Belgium, the Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallists, a lead that would last just three minutes, with Lukas Windfeder’s penalty corner making the score 2-2 going into the final quarter.

Germany’s winner arrived six minutes from time, with Dieter Linnekogel getting a crucial touch on a speculative pass into the Belgian circle.

In Group A, Spain defeated France 2-0 to move onto six points and remain in the hunt for a first place finish.

The Red Sticks, coached by former France international Frederic Soyez, had to wait until the end of the third quarter before Pau Quemada scored from the penalty spot, with Enrique Gonzalez adding a second.

Reigning world champions Australia came from a goal down to beat New Zealand 2-1 in an Oceania derby.

It was a third win in succession for the Kookaburras, who now need just one point in their final pool match against Japan to confirm their place at the top of the standings.

The Black Sticks held their own throughout the match, taking the lead when Jared Panchia bundled home from close range.

However, for the second time in the competition, Australia scored twice in the final quarter to claim all three points through Jeremy Edwards and Jeremy Hayward.

The women's tournament resumes tomorrow.