The South African Indoor Hockey Men produced a perfect performance to defeat world No2 Iran 6-0 and secure a historic first semi-final in any FIH World Cup. They next face Germany knowing they have already secured their best-ever finish at a World Cup.
South Africa started the game with the news that Justin Domleo, their most experienced player, was out for the remainder of the tournament with an injury.
South Africa opened the scoring through Mustpaha Cassiem, another excellently executed penalty corne. South Africa then earned a penalty stroke when Litha Kraai was pulled down in the circle. Surprisingly Cassiem was unable to hit the target despite sending the big keeper the wrong way and it remained 1-0.
The South Africans came out with renewed vigour in the second stanza and duly delivered on their goal scoring threat. Mustapha Cassiem earned his second with a slightly different execution at the penalty corner but with the same result. Cassiem then turned provider for Dalpiarro Langford as Iran failed to cope with the South African precision.
In the second half Langford earned a second for himself and Litha Kraai made it 5-0 with what is becoming his characteristic goal on the reverse flick. There was time for Mustapha Cassiem to complete his hat-trick .
Photo: Supplied by SA Hockey