Germany, Britain clash in Four Nations final

NOTTINGHAM: Germany and Britain advanced to Saturday’s Four Nations final by defeating Japan 4-2 and New Zealand 5-1 respectively on Friday.

Japan defended well in the first 10 minutes, fighting off six shots with goalkeeper Katsuya Takase keeping Germany scoreless.

Germany earned their first penalty corner a minute from the break, converted by Martin Zwicker at the right post from Martin Haner’s powerful low flick at the battery to put his side 1-0 ahead at the break.

Japan levelled from their first penalty corner early in the second half when a quick left-to-right pass for Katsuyoshi Nagasawa was flicked high across Tim Jessulat in Germany’s goal.

Japan continued to be competitive until 12 minutes from time when Felix Oldhafer was left unmarked in Japan’s circle to score twice and Oskar Deecke added another to have Germany ahead 4-1.

Koji Kayukawa drove in a consolation goal from the top of the circle which caught Jessulat in goal by surprise.

Japan coach Siegfried Aikman acknowledged Takase’s goalkeeping skills.

“We had a difficult start and Takase kept us in the match. But I have to acknowledge that Germany had better individual skills and control of the match than Japan,” said Aikman.

Germany coach Markus Weise was critical of his team’s strikers.

“We had a lot of action in their circle but we didn’t really find any good solutions to score because there was too much hectic play by the strikers,” Weise said.

Meanwhile, New Zealand exploited Britain’s lack of organisation in the backfield in the first 20 minutes but were unable to find the breakthrough.

Slowly, Britain started to dominate midfield, intercepting New Zealand’s passes forward, andf turning possession into attack.

Simon Mantell scored from an interception of a New Zealand outlet pass, deflecting in Alistair Brogden’s cross from the right for England’s first goal.

James Tindall converted Britain’s first penalty corner followed by Ashley Jackson flicking Britain’s second penalty corner into the roof of the net to have Britain ahead 3-0 at the break.

Jackson scored a penalty stroke and James Tindall sneaked a goal late in the game, intercepting a lazy New Zealand pass at the top of the circle, beating New Zealand goalkeeper Stephen Graham with a deft reverse hit into goal.

New Zealand took advantage of Jackson and midfielder Alistair Wilson on the penalty bench at the same time create the chance for Marcus Child to score a soft consolation goal for New Zealand.

Britain’s assistant coach Bobby Crutchley conceded his side lost shape in the first 20 minutes.

“Apart from the first 20 minutes, when we were lucky not to have a score against us, we did a lot of good things and scored some nice goals,” Crutchley said.

New Zealand coach Shane McLeod agreed New Zealand were out-played.

“I think England played very well. They were much tougher and played a very physical game,” said McLeod.