KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27: Spain put title-favorites Germany’s World Cup run off track with a 3-2 victory Wednesday in a Pool A match.

Germany, the European champions, aiming to win their first World Cup, were three goals down before scoring twice late in the game to give the scoreline some respectability.

The defeat left Germany with six points from three games with Holland, Pakistan and Spain occupying the top three positions with nine points each.

Eduard Tubau signaled disaster for the Germans, converting a 23rd minute short corner and then doubled the lead on the 46th with a fine field goal early in the second half. A third blow came from the stick of Xavier Ribas with eight minutes remaining.

However Germany, captained by Florian Kunz were rewarded with two goals, one after the other, Bjorn Michel netting first and then the stylish Oliver Domke hitting the bull’s eye off a short corner.

“I am a little disappointed, but tomorrow (Thursday) we will try to win against Belgium,” said German coach Bernhard Peters who suffered only his third defeat in 39 matches.

In Pool B, Australia maintained their winning run, whipping Poland 5-1, for their third consecutive victory. The 1986 champions gained the advantage on the stroke of half-time Jamie Dwyer, leading the goal-rush. But Poland struck back through Tomasz Choczaj scoring in field play.

However, once the Aussies regained the lead on the 51st minute, a goal from Michael MaCann, there was no stopping them. Craig Victory and Troy Elder added two more while McCann struck again to complete the rout with only three minutes to go.

England walloped newcomers Cuba 7-0 to score the biggest win of the tournament. The flood-gates were opened by Danny Hall at the start of play and then England almost began scoring at will. Dave Mathews got two while Jerome Goudie, Pearn Mark, Tom Bertram, Ben Sharpe collected one each for England’s second victory in three matches.

Korea blanked Japan in another Pool B game, their goals coming from Jung-Seon Lee, and a brace by Seung-Tae Song. Korea and Australia, with nine points each, sit on the top of the group.