Austin Smith scored two goals in his 150th game for South Africa, who lost 4-3 against Germany in Thursday’s FIH World Hockey League semi-finals in Johannesburg.

The home team had a great start to the match, dominating the first chukka with various shots at goal and two penalty corners. It was pretty much the same storyline in the second chukka with South Africa getting multiple penalty corners and shots at goal.

But still the scoreboard showed 1-0 to Germany when the half-time hooter sounded. Moritz Trompertz scored with three minutes left after the visiting team did most of the defending for the first 30 minutes of the match.

It was heartbreaking for the home team when Germany’s Niklas Wellen and Matts Grambusch scored just minutes after the start of the third chukka.

But with their fifth penalty corner, the South Africans finally got on the scoreboard, not only in this match but also the tournament. Smith hit the back of the goal-box in the 37th minute to finally give the home crowd something to cheer about.

He followed it up with another penalty corner goal, and then six minutes later the former captain set up Jonty Robinson for SA’s third goal.

With the crowd already on their feet, South Africa got a penalty corner with 55 seconds left, but Germany’s goalkeeper Mark Appel gave his all to save the shot by Smith.

‘We had a fantastic crowd and what a great honour to have played my 150th game in this environment,’ said Smith. ‘I’m gutted and disappointed, though, that we could not pull it through, after fighting back so well. I am grateful for the 150 times I have played for my country. It was difficult to be down, but respect to the team to keep their heads up and keep fighting,’ said Smith.

‘I am grateful for the 150 times I have played for my country. It was difficult to be down, but respect to the team to keep their heads up and keep fighting.’

Jethro Eustice added: ‘It was great when the crowd got involved in the final 10 minutes. And we almost pulled a sneaky equaliser at the end. After the Ireland match we spoke about keeping up the energy, despite the scoreline and we managed to do that today.’

South Africa are ranked 15th on the world rankings, while Germany are third and won bronze at the Rio Olympics last year.

Tim Drummond and his men will be in action on Saturday again, against Egypt at 16:00, while the SA women take on Chile on Friday at 14:00.

Photo: Robert Swanepoel