Times of India: Junior Hockey World Cup: Germany, NZ made to fight for wins

By Asheem Mukerji

LUCKNOW: Germany and New Zealand had to work hard before registering wins on the opening day of the Junior Men Hockey World Cup championship. In another match, England too overcame some anxious moments before downing South Africa 4-2.

Six-time champions Germany found the going tough against Spain before prevailing 2-1, while New Zealand had to dig deep against Japan for a solitary goal win in their Pool C games at Major Dhyan Chand stadium here on Thursday.

Germany found the going tough against the packed defence of the Spaniards. Lack of space made the Germans search hard for opportunities in the rival area as their dangerous striker Tim Herzbruch was kept in check. Finally, Anton Boeckel had to come up with a fine reverse hit to beat the Spanish guard for the opening goal in the 25th minute. The reverse forced the Spanish side to change gears and go on the offensive. That paid off when Manuel Bordas Fabregas got the equalizer for the side in the 48th minute.