Australia’s 24-year wait for glory ends

S. Thyagarajan

New Delhi: The Aussie dream of regaining the glittering hockey World Cup was realised after a hiatus of 24 years on Saturday.

With a display that underscored the efficacy of efficiency and effort, not to mention admirable athleticism, Australia won 2-1 in the Hero Honda-sponsored championship at the Dhyan Chand Stadium to deny the Germans a hat-trick of triumphs.

Doerner nets winner

The trump card for coach Ric Charlesworth, was Luke Doerner, who produced a whiplash of a shot from a penalty corner in the second half, to signal Australia’s second triumph. The victory also confirmed the fact that Australia’s win against Germany in the Champions Trophy was no aberration.

If there was commiseration for Germany it was truly spontaneous. Everyone played his heart out but none more than the lithe skipper Max Muller, whose work in the zone, especially in the circle, was outstanding. His save of a Luke Doerner’s shot, after goalkeeper Tim Juessulat was beaten, was mind-boggling.

The role of Aussie skipper Jamie Dwyer was admirable. Moving smoothly on the flanks, he sent the huge crowd into raptures. Useful work by Desmond Abbott, Mark Knowles and Grant Schubert projected Australia’s strength in attack and defence.

Goalkeeper Nathan Burgers also deserves mention for the saves he made, especially when the Germans attacked, prompted either by Matthias Witthaus or Benjamin Wess.

What brought Australia’s display into full bloom was the early lead.

A rare, momentary confusion in the German defensive zone, following a free hit, culminated in Edward Ockenden slotting in.

Goalkeeper Jessulat blocked at least one dangerous hit by Doerner and rendered a few more attacks fruitless.

Germany increased the pace after the break and the heavy pressure at the Australian end signalled danger. Moritz Furste slammed in the equaliser amidst vociferous cheers.

The 1-1 scoreline transported the encounter to a different octave. Ten minutes before the hooter, the memorable moment for the Aussies dawned when Doerner pumped in the match-winner.

As the final whistle sounded, the Aussies emoted joyfully even as the Germans fell to the ground in disappointment. A weeping Jessulat had to be consoled by one of the German officials. The scene was a clear picture of ecstasy and agony.

Earlier, Rogier Hoffmann triggered an impromptu celebration as the Netherlands, fighting a 1-3 leeway at half-time, came back to claim the bronze.

The Dutchmen deserve unalloyed commendation for their fortitude and focus to overcome England 4-3, the match-winner coming three minutes before the final whistle. This was the three-time champion’s second bronze after the one in 2002 at Kuala Lumpur.

It was an emotional moment to cherish for veteran Teun di Nooijer at the end of his fifth World Cup. His touch and elegance were there for all to see when he gave the Dutch the lead in the first half after a pass by Joeren Heartzburger.

England fought gamely thanks to a goal by Alistair Bragdon, followed by two superbly executed penalty corners by Ashley Jackson.

But the Dutch came roaring back, with Taeke Taekema’s penalty corner conversion and the equaliser by Klaas Vermeullen. What followed when Rogier Hoffmann hit the boards is now part of Dutch folklore.

The results: 3-4: The Netherlands 4 (Teun di Nooijer, Taeke Taekema, Klaas Vermeuellen, Rogier Hoffmann) bt England 3 (Alistair Bragdon, Ashley Jackson 2). HT 1-3.

Final: Australia 2 (Edward Ockenden, Luke Doerner) bt Germany 1 (Moritz Furste). HT 1-0.

Final positions: 1. Australia, 2. Germany, 3. The Netherlands, 4. England, 5. Spain, 6. Korea, 7. Argentina, 8. India, 9. New Zealand, 10. South Africa, 11. Canada, 12. Pakistan.

Special awards: Man of the final: Luke Doerner (Aus); Man of Steel of the final: Martin Haner (Ger); Best goalkeeper of the tournament: Guus Vogels (Ned); Man of Steel of the tournament: Maximilian Muller (Ger); Top-scorers of the tournament (eight goals each): Luke Doerner (Aus) and Taeke Taekema (Ned); Man of the tournament: Guus Vogels (Ned); Fairplay trophy: New Zealand .