Germany stormed into the finals of the World Cup, decimating European champions England in the first semifinal of the evening.

By Rajarshi Gupta

The defending champions Germany blew England away 4-1 in a one-sided semi-final at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday.

As many as four goals came in the first half with Jan-Marco Montag, Oliver Korn and Martin Haner slamming once each for Germany while Richard Smith opened England's account. Linus Butt joined the party for the Germans late in the second half to usher in his 23rd birthday in style.

The world champs were quick to get off the blocks as they earned their first penalty corner in the fifth minute. Montag was on the ball for his team, converting it successfully with a scorching drag-flick that beat England goalkeeper Nick Brothers all ends up.\

Day's action in pics

England attempted a counterattack minutes later with Rob Moore tearing down the German circle and Ashley Jackson running in through a maze but both failed to get a shot at the goal.

Five minutes after Germany's first goal, Korn deflected in a pass from Matthew Witthaus, just outside the England circle to pile on the agony for the Three Lions.

Lagging by two goals in a high-profile knock-out game, England tried to claw their way back and their persistence paid off after as Smith got one back in the 19th minute.

Their joy was, however, short-lived. Germany converted a penalty corner in the 31st minute after Haner slotted the ball home through a well-rehearsed move inside the English circle.

Germany were more content, trying to preserve their two-goal advantage after the breather and England did not look good enough to penetrate their strong defence.

The reigning champions, looking to become the first team to win the World Cup three times in a row stormed further ahead in the 60th minute, when Butt converted the team's sixth penalty corner of the match.

Trailing by three goals with under 10 minutes to go, England decided to throw all caution to the wind and attacked the German camp with gusto but soon gave up in the face of strong resistance from the champions.

Germany will now play the winner of the second semi-final between the Netherlands and Australia, to be played later tonight.