New Delhi, 18 Jan 2014: Olympic champions Germany lost their No.1 world ranking despite winning their last match against Argentina 2-1 at the Hero Hockey World League at the Dhyan Chand stadium here on Saturday.

Germany thus finished the World League in 7th place to earn 240 points for a total of 2380 points while Australia, who will be playing the bronze medal match, will have more points irrespective of that match result. With the fourth place team getting 300 points Australia will have at least 2383 points and will move to the World No.1 ranking. The World No.1 team will be pooled in Pool A for the world cup and is likely to get an easier pool.

Argentina shot ahead in the 16th minute with Matias Rey, who received a long scoop near the left corner flag, dribbled a bit and sent a short back pass to Facundo Callioni, who tapped in with ease.

However, Germany equalised five minutes later with a field goal from Pilt Arnold, who cut into the top of the net with a stunning backhander. Germany finally found the match-winner in the 60th minute with another field goal. After a defensive lapse by Argentina, German Benedikt Furk gained possession and went down on the goalline and his back pass was swiftly converted by Tobias Matania (2-1). German mounted raids after that for the last ten minutes but their efforts failed to yield any more goals.

Argentina Chief Coach Carlos Retegui said, “Our team played well but missed some easy chances and then we lost the momentum. Our team failed to convert today. It is also very difficult to play in different weather conditions. We had a very different weather each day. But we are going back happy as it was a good tournament for us and it gave good exposure for our players against the top teams in the world.”

Meanwhile, German Coach Markus Weise said: “We had a good first half though we could not really convert the chances of grey corners. But in the second half we had our grip on the game especially in the last twenty minutes of the game which pulled us out.”

ends