By DPA,
Beijing : Defending champions Australia, the Netherlands and Spain chalked up successive victories but world champions Germany were held to a draw in the men’s Olympic hockey tournament Wednesday.
Australia crushed South Africa 10-0, while the Dutch earned a late victory over Britain in Pool B.
Spain left it to the final seconds before snatching a victory over New Zealand in Pool A.
The Pool A action saw Germany held to a 1-1 draw by Belgium, a result which still keep them on course for a semi-final spot.
Germany, who began the tournament beating hosts China 4-1, took the lead in the 18th minute through Matthias Witthaus but were pegged back five minutes later by Cedric Charlier.
It was a first point for Belgium in Pool A after going down 2-4 to Spain.
The Spanish go to the top of the pool after a goal by Santiago Freixa seven seconds before the end earned them a 1-0 victory over New Zealand.
Meanwhile, South Korea bounced back from a 3-1 defeat to New Zealand by downing China 5-2 in the pool.
Pool A saw defending Olympic champions Australia demolish South Africa 10-0, with Eli Matheson scoring three and Jamie Dwyer and David Guest two apiece.
It was a second big win for the highly-fancied Australians who had beaten Canada 6-1 in their opening match.
For the South Africans, it was another heavy defeat after being crushed 5-0 by the Netherlands, one of the favourites, in their opening game.
The Dutch earned a second victory thanks to a 63rd minute strike from Taeke Takema to beat Britain.
Pakistan, who were beaten 4-2 by Britain in their first game, came from behind to beat Canada 3-1 with goals from Muhammed Imran, Shafqat Rasool and Muhammed Saqlain.