Dutch coach Marc Lammers was in an understandably buoyant mood about his team after the game, and said thoughts had now turned to the possible semifinal line-up, which will be decided after Wednesday's games between Spain and England, and Argentina and Australia.

"We don't care who we play in the semifinals, both Argentina and Australia are good teams," Lammers said.

"The mood is very good in our team and all our players are fit except for a bruise here or there."

The match between the Dutch, who finished on 13 points after their pool games, and the Germans was in effect a dead rubber, having no outcome on the tournament play-offs.

But games between these traditional hockey rivals are always keenly contested, even if it is only for bragging rights.

Accordingly, neither side gave an inch, and the game featured some skilful, end-to-end play that saw German goalkeeper Yvonne Frank called into action to produce some excellent saves in the first half.

Germany ended their pool games on seven points, and they are destined for the 5-8 play-offs on Friday. Their rivals in that match will not be decided until later Wednesday.

In the mix with Germany will be Japan, who outclassed South Africa to seal an emphatic 3-0 win.

Japan opened brightly with Tomomi Komori scoring in the third minute and Keiko Miura scored from a corner in the ninth minute to bury a South Africa side unable to change their game plan.

Komori made the game safe just on the stroke of half-time with another corner goal.

Japan finished the pool round on five points and must wait for the South Korea v USA match later Wednesday to confirm their schedule for Friday's playoffs.

The final positions might be determined on goal differences if their match is drawn.