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Germany, Holland in Champions final

A first half German blitzkrieg sent defending champions Australia crashing out of the race for the men's Champions Trophy at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen yesterday.

Germany defeated Australia 4-2 to earn second spot and a place in the final against The Netherlands on Sunday.

The Germans were 3-0 up within 19 minutes, Björn Mitchell scoring two penalty-corners in the 5th and 12th minutes before Oliver Domke hammered in a shot in the 19th minute.

Newly crowned 1999 FIH Player of the year Jay Stacy sounded the board off his second penalty-corner attempt in the 27th minute to pull one back for the Aussies.

James Elmer gave the Australians false hopes by converting another penalty-corner three minutes later but Domke struck again within two minutes off another fast German break to restore the two-goal cushion.

Australia controlled field position for most of the scoreless second half and forced two failed penalty-corners.

The only highlights of the second half were the suspensions of Michael Brennan and Murray Richards from Australia and Domke.

Try as they did, Australia just could not score and Germany was content to defend its 4-2 lead, not having a shot on goal in the second half.

Germany meet The Netherlands in the final on Sunday while the Australians will face Great Britain to avoid finishing last in the tournament.

Spain will meet Korea, who defeated Great Britain 3-1, in the last match yesterday.

Kim Seok Kim scored a goal on either side of Calum Giles's 16th minute equaliser before Jong Hyun Hwang sealed victory with a 50th minute strike.

Australian coach Terry Walsh sportingly congratulated Germany on the win and wished them well for the final against Holland.

German coach Paul Lissek said the win was a boost to German confidence ahead of the Olympics.

Courtsey: www.hockeyasia.com