Germany ended Australia’s unbeaten run with a stunning 3-1 victory to join the defending champions at the top of the standings in the men’s field hockey Champions Trophy here Thursday.
The Olympic and world champions went to the top of the table on nine points along with Australia, two points ahead of South Korea and with the Netherlands still in contention for Sunday’s final, one point back on six.
Germany and Australia each need to win their last pool match against the Netherlands and Spain respectively on Saturday to be sure of making the tournament decider.
England meet South Korea in Saturday’s first match.
In Thursday’s other games, South Korea made an unlikely comeback from four goals down to claim a thrilling 5-5 draw with Spain and keep alive their title hopes, while the Netherlands downed England 3-2.
Germany outplayed Australia in defence, blocking the defensive circle with tight marking, while Australia’s defence leaked three field goals in seven minutes late in the first half. Jan-Marco Montag punished a defensive fumble in Australia’s circle, Mattias Witthaus deflected in at the left post and Christopher Wesley scored with a flick.
In the second half, Luke Doerner converted a penalty corner for Australia, with two fakes and a push low inside the left post.
“The most pleasing part of the match was that the boys really stuck to the gameplan even during the hard times of the second half when we had to face a lot of pressure,” German coach Markus Weise said.
Australian counterpart Ric Charlesworth believes his team is far from ready for the World Cup in New Delhi early next year. “You may now believe me when I say we are not solid yet and we have a lot of work to do,” Charlesworth said.
RESULTS Germany 3 (Montag 24, Witthaus 27, Wesley 31) beat Australia 1 (Doerner 53) South Korea 5 (Seo 12, Nam 58, 61, 65, You 67) drew with Spain 5 (Quemada 2, 5, 53, D.
Alegre 10, Tubau 26) Netherlands 3 (Keml perman 12, 49, Reckers r 18) beat England 2 . (Mantell 27, Smith 59)