New Zealand's hockey World Cup semifinal aspirations took a sharp detour as a crushing 5-2 defeat to Germany on Wednesday (NZT) saw it finish fifth in Pool A.
The Black Sticks, who have never finished lower than 10th at a World Cup, have one remaining match - a playoff against South Africa on Friday (11:05pm) for 9th and 10th.
Effectively, New Zealand's hopes were shattered on Monday when it surprisingly lost 1-0 to previously winless Argentina, who beat Canada 3-2 in the last pool match to pip the Kiwis for the 7th and 8th decider against India.
At halftime New Zealand's hopes of a top six placing were slipping away, down 2-0 – and 11 minutes after the interval it was 3-0 adrift.
Victory for the Kiwis was always unlikely against the reigning Olympic and World Champion Germans, who has gone unbeaten in its last 17 matches – two wins away from equalling Australia's 20-year record of 20 World Cup victories – and qualified for the semifinals for a record for 11th consecutive time.
But a spirited 20-minute second half fight-back saw two quick-fire Shea McAleese and Nick Wilson goals within four minutes to draw the underdogs within one goal.
Germany was not to be undone however, as it pounced on rebounds to convert two late penalty corners to enforce its title credentials.
After 35 minutes coach Shane McLeod conceded he knew the game was over and was frustrated his side did not put away the Argentineans.
"That defeat cost us a semifinal place," he said.
"I was not happy with the first half, we were disappointing."
In the upset of the tournament, Korea shocked the Netherlands 2-1 to hand the Dutch its first loss, although, it will progresses to the semifinals to meet a inform Australian outfit.
The victory sees Korea play Spain for 5th and 6th.
Germany meets England in the other semifinal.
New Zealand finished pool play with two wins and three losses.