Sunday, Mar 10, 2002
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Hockey
GERMAN RHAPSODY: The jubilant German team, which won its maiden World Cup in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. - Photo: Vino John
Germany 2 Australia 1 Holland 2 Korea 1 KUALA LUMPUR, MARCH 9. This was the golden moment they were waiting for. The Germans realised it on a starless night at Bukit Jalil in the hockey World Cup. With a display that underscored the efficacy of power and precision, the Germans, down by a goal, recovered to overcome a spirited challenge from Australians in a scintillating final before packed spectators today. Oliver Domke slotted in the match-winner. This was the first World Cup triumph for Germany, and fittingly enough no one deserved it more. For a squad that figured successively in the last four for over three decades, the reward was indeed appropriate. But it was not accomplished without a fight. The gallant Aussies ensured that the rivals work hard for their success. And the crowd savoured every bit of action. Effective and excellent in passing, the Germans almost were flawless after conceding the goal to the Aussies. Prompted delectably from the mid-field by Bjorn Emmerling and from the deep by Micheal Green and Philip Crone, the Germans attacked from the flanks, where Oliver Domke and Sascha Reinelt were outstanding. Passes by Chritian Mayorhofer and Tibor Wessenborn put enormous pressure on the Aussie defence, especially in the second half. No less impressive were the Aussies, whose frequent sallies only projected the variations in their movements. Served admirably from the mid-field by Brent Livermore, Paul Gaudoin and Daniel Sproule, the attack, both ingenuous and immaculate, always carried an element of danger for the Germans. Craig Victory was the danger man for the Germans, and the threat also came from Jaime Dwyer and Scott Webster. Only three minutes remained from the first half when Australia struck. A brilliant fake by Mathew Wells opened the avenue for Troy Elder, whose wristy shot gave goal-keeper Clement Arnold no chance. Germany retaliated within minutes. A clipping move involving Christoph Bechmann and Tibor ended in a penalty corner. Florian Kunz sent the ball smashing into the net for the equaliser. It was the Aussies who called the shots for a fairly long period in the second half. Midway through, they forced three penalty corners but could not come up with the right piece to beat Clemens Arnold. A shot by Mathew Wells was stopped neatly and another attempt by Troy Elder was also foiled. Meanwhile, Sascha Reinelt and Tibor caused some anxious monents for the Aussie defence, that showed signs of losing grip although Lachlan brought off a splendid save from Bjorn Emmerling's flick. And then came the match-winner, which was delightful for its execution. A free hit Mayerhofer on the left was picked up by Sascha Reinelt. He surged down the line and after moving into the circle, he executed a neat back-hander to which the ever energetic Oliver Domke put the finishing touches. And thus ended a glorious final which will linger long on the minds of those who were fortunate enough to witness it. Holland takes third spot What was ecstacy for the Netherlands turned agony for the Koreans. For well over an hour, the Koreans, clung on to the early goal they notched up from a brilliant deflection by Seung Tae Song off a cross from Kang Keon Wook carried forward by Kim Kyong Sook. There was nothing to suggest thereafter that the Koreans would crack up to the pressure exerted by the Dutch. Attacking with the crafty Teun di Nooijer as the vanguard, the Dutch were persistent in the rival zone. The Korean defence was tenacious, giving no space for the Dutch frontliners to get a clear view of the goal. In the mid-field Kim Yong Bae strove manfully, assisted by Shan Seok Kyo to smother the pressure. Even goal-keeper Lim Jong Chun looked unbeatable. Twice he frustrated the moves involving Teun di Nooijer and Remco van Wijk. After the break, it was the Koreans who put the rival defence into stress. Two fluent runs by Seo Jong Ho confused the Dutch defence. But when less than two minutes remained for the hooter and when everything was pointing to Korea taking the bronze. But that was exactly what did not happen. A quick move Teun di Nooijer saw van der Weide Sender flicking in a rebound to the net. And within two minutes into the extra-time came the golden goal from Jaap Derk Buma off a hit by Piet Hein Geeris that was deflected to Buma by Teun di Nooijer. Even as the Dutch jumped for joy, the Koreans sank on their knees in dejection. His Majesty Syed Sirajuddin, King of Malaysia, prsented the trophy in the presence of Ms.Els van Breda Vriesman, President, FIH, and Sultan Azlan Shah, President, MHF and Asian HF. Player of the Tournament: Troy Elder (Australia). Highest goal-scorers: 10 each: Sohail Abbas (Pakistan) and Jorge Lombi (Argentina) Player of the final: Florian Kunz. Fair Play Trophy: South Africa.
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