Germany’s set-piece prowess saw them get the better of Spain to keep alive their chances of winning a first title since 2013, recording a 4-1 win.

Three corners and a penalty stroke did the damage as the red sticks’ running game was lively and entertaining but they could not find the final touches in the D.

It stamped their World Cup ticket into the bargain and set up a ninth meeting between Germany and the Netherlands in the men’s EHC final.

It took less than a minute for the Honamas to go in front; Johannes Grosse’s stick was checked when through on goal and Gonzalo Peillat slotted in the goal.

Spain responded well and created a number of chances only to be stung once more from a German counter and corner, Mats Grambusch slamming in the rebound.

Again, the Spanish side probed forward and they got a goal back in Q2 from their fifth corner, a clever move that was completed by José Basterra.

But Germany squeezed the life out of their attempts in the second half and then killed off the tie from two final quarter set pieces. Thies Prinz chipped in the vital third for a 3-1 lead and then Peillat drove home a corner to add an extra gloss to the scoreboard.