ROTTERDAM, Nov 7: Hot favourites Germany extinguished Pakistan’s hopes of regaining the title when the European champions edged past the Asian rivals 5-4 despite a hat trick by Sohail Abbas in Champions Trophy Wednesday.

Leaders Germany, the winner of Azlan Shah Cup last August, pumped in three goals in the space of five minutes to take 4-2 lead before the half time hooter.

The Germans are at the top of the table with 12 points and are still unconquered, have beaten Australia, England, South Korea, before battling against Pakistan Wednesday.

Pakistan now have four points after a 1-1 draw against world and Olympic champions the Netherlands, a 2-0 win over South Korea, 3-1 defeat by Australia and 5-4 loss to Germany.

The Germans had earlier sounded a warning when they defeated the Pakistanis twice in June-July. Pakistan lost the one-off Test to Germany in Hamburg before surrendering against the Germans in the four-nation tournament at the same venue.

Later in August, Pakistan once against bowed when they met the Europeans at the Azlan Shah Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

Germany, playing tactical hockey gave Pakistan their first shock in the fifth minute with a move by the right flank. Oliver Domke converted the first goal with an exquisite reverse flick after a Bjorn Michel pass.

While the Germans remained focussed and mounted pressure, the spirit and confidence of the Pakistanis was shattered.

Bearded defender Tariq Imran rescued after Pakistan goalkeeper was completely beaten by the German striker Florian Kunz in the 14th minute.

The Pakistanis seemed to lack the nip as approach work by Shahbaz Ahmad was wasted by the forward-line.

Goal-hungry Germans doubled the lead, once again after the right side manoeuvre in the 28th minute. This time it was Michael Green who found the cage after being fed by Michel who created the second opening for his team-mates.

But the real hammering came later when the Germans went on rampage against the hapless Pakistan, netting twice to make it 4-0.

German captain Florian Kunz was on target off a penalty stroke in the 31st minute, while Christian Wein slammed home the fourth two minutes before the half time.

Pakistan, however, came back with a vengeance with two goals from Sohail off 34th and 35th minutes short corners.

Keeping up the pace and the attacks, the Germans earned their first penalty corner four minutes into the second half. Pakistan goalkeeper Mohammad Qasim brought off two superb saves besides repulsing a raid by Bjorn Emmerling.

Pakistan threatened the Germans with Kashif Jawwad attempting in the 46th minute only to be denied by the Germany ‘keeper Arnold Clemens who blocked Mudassar Ali later from the right side.

Pakistan’s utility player, Mohammad Nadeem, then wasted a sitter. It was followed by two penalty corners of which one was converted by Sohail in the 51st minute to complete his hat trick.

A 54th minute stroke enabled Germany seal Pakistan’s when Kunz successfully converted the second penalty stroke.

Pakistanis skipper Mohammad Sarwar narrowed the lead two minutes later off an indirect drill. But greenshirts failed to equalise and missed the target twice during the penalty corners.