Wonder from Down under
Prabhjot Singh
Tribune News Service
Australia could not have asked for more. A lucky video referral, a disallowed substitution and above all a familiar surface that incidentally came from Downunder were all factors that helped Australians to end their 24-year-old wait to regain World Cup before nearly packed Major Dhyan Chand National Hockey Stadium here.
And chief coach Richard Charlesworth, again sat in the stands. His superstition perhaps prevents him from sitting on the team bench in crucial games. The 2-1 win for Aussies deprived Germany from completing a hat-trick of gold medal triumphs at the World Cup.
It is a different brand of hockey that top teams play now. They start aggressively in a bid to take early lead, consolidate it and then control the game by dominating midfield play besides seeking better ball control and possession.
This pattern of play was evident as both Germany and Australia did mount relentless attacks to utilise any gaps, free or unmarked positions to get the score moving.
It was in the fifth minute that Edward Ockenden got the Australians lead with a brilliant goal. First penalty corner in the game had to wait till the 20th minute when Witthaus worked his way into the circle before being obstructed. The award did not produce any result.
Though Australians had tough time on controlling Germans rampage even after taking an early lead, they managed to hang on to the lead till the breather. But after exchange of ends, Germans had the consolation of drawing equal in the 46th minute when Fruste flicked across the goal to beat Nathan Burgers in the Australian goal.
It was in the 59th minute that luck smiled on Australia. Abbot asked for video referral after the umpire had blown for a free hit for Germany. Video umpire, however, overruled the field umpire and awarded a penalty corner to Australia.
Though Australians wanted Luke Doerner to be substituted by Kavanagh, it was disallowed as substitutions is not permitted once penalty corner has been awarded. And Luke Doerner proved lucky. He was destined to score the World Cup winning goal with a powerful flick that beat Max Weinhold in the German goal.
Final standings: Australia, Germany, The Netherlands, England, Spain, Korea, Argentina, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and Pakistan.
Man of Steel of the Tournament – Max Mueller (Germany), Goalkeeper of the tournament – Guus Vogels (the Netherlands), Top scorer of the tournament – Luke Doerner (Australia) and Taeke Taekema (the Netherlands), Hero Honda Player of The Tournament – Guus Vogels (the Netherlands), Fair Play Trophy – New Zealand, Man of the Steel (final) – Martin Haner (Germany), Hero Honda Man of the Match – Luke Doerner (Australia).