The German team were the clear favourites for victory, but Ireland dug deep to earn a shock point at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Three goals were scored in the last four minutes in a dramatic Pool A clash.

Zoe Wilson broke the deadlock after 14 minutes to give Ireland into a surprise lead, one which they held until the 56th minute when Amelie Wortmann equalised.

With the clock ticking down towards the end of the match, Ireland moved to the brink of an upset as Deidre Duke scored their second.

However, they were unable to hold on to what would have been a famous win as Nike Lorenz's goal at the death salvaged a draw and spared Germany's blushes.

In the other Pool A match to take place today, Olympic gold medallist Sophie Bray scored twice as England opened their semi-final campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Poland.

Bray was the star of the show for an England team which featured several of the side which claimed a surprise gold at the Rio Olympics as they began in the best possible fashion.

The 27-year-old opened the scoring after just three minutes when she fired home from close range after a mazy individual run.

Bray then doubled England's advantage 11 minutes later, giving her side a two-goal cushion with a clever touch from an Alex Danson pass.

Captain Danson put the gloss on a solid performance from her team with the third on the 45 minute mark as she lifted her effort over goalkeeper Amelia Katerla.

In Pool B, Argentina also secured a victory in their first match at the tournament as they overcame South American counterparts Chile 2-0.

Noel Barrionuevo and Agustina Habif were on the scoresheet for defending World League champions Argentina, who have also won the previous three editions of the Champions Trophy.

The United States beat India 4-1 in today's other encounter in Pool B.