The title favourites did not look impressive but picked up the three vital points that took their tally to 12 from five games. With two games still in hand, the Germans play defending champions Holland Sunday and then take on Pakistan Tuesday. They will need at least four more points to go through from Pool A.
Germany led 1-0 at half-time through a goal scored by Bjorn Michel in the 33rd minute off a penalty corner in this match played early in the morning.
New Zealand who defeated South Africa for their first win of the tournament then pressed forward and their efforts bore fruit when they were awarded a penalty stroke on the 52nd minute. Hymie Hill was called upon to do the job and he was bang on target.
A draw for Germany, who had lost to Spain, would have put them off-track but thanks to the reliable Bechmann, they scraped home with 10 minutes remaining.
Spain meanwhile were held to a 2-2 draw by South Africa, through a last gasp penalty corner strike by Justin King.
The Spaniards thought they had the three points in their bag, when Malaysian umpire Amarjit Singh awarded a penalty corner and King executed it with a flourish.
The draw meant that Spain, now with 11 points in Pool A, may have to win both their remaining games, against Pakistan Sunday and the strong Argentines Tuesday to make the semifinals.
The draw earned South Africa their first point from five matches and they still have to play Belgium and Holland.
Spain, finalists of the 1998 Utrecht World Cup, were put into the lead with a field strike from Pol Amat on the 23rd minute while Clyde Abrahams levelled it for South Africa the following minute.
Eduard Tabau’s short corner effort saw Spain go for lemons 2-1 before King dealt them the cruel blow in the end.