Spanish stun champions Australia

Spain will face Germany in the final of the Olympic men's hockey after a stunning 3-2 win over defending champions Australia.

The Spanish fought back from two goals down before Santi Freixa scored the winner two minutes before the end.

Germany booked their spot in the final in equally dramatic fashion, by beating Netherlands 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out after it was 1-1 in normal time.

Leading scorer Taeke Taekema had his effort saved by Max Weinhold.

"It was an emotional win," said German coach Markus Weise, who led the women's team to the gold medal in Athens.

"The penalties can go either way but I am pleased the way we fought back during real time after being a goal down. The boys did not let their heads drop."

Timme Hoyng put the Dutch ahead when he converted a penalty corner pass from Taekema.

Germany levelled two minutes before the final whistle when Philipp Zeller dived to deflect in Moritz Fuerste's free hit.

In the other semi-final, Australia's Des Abbott scored early on before Eddie Ockenden made it 2-0 soon after the restart.

But Spain's Eduard Tubau scored twice in five minutes to equalise before Freixa's moment of glory from a penalty corner.

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