Hockey World Cup final: German perfection vs Australian flair

Will Germany win a third consecutive title or will it be third time lucky for Australia who are vying for their second World Cup title? Though the odds seem pretty even, Germany are the only team in the championship to have improved with each match, seeming to produce something new in each outing.

The Aussies were considered favourites going into this championship, largely because of their recent Champions Trophy triumph. But the Germans have sounded a warning by remaining unbeaten. If Australia’s goal-scoring skills were exemplified with a 12-0 drubbing of South Africa, Germany’s all-round skills have come to the fore time and again.

“We came into the championship hoping to play the finals, now we are looking at winning the title,” said Aussie coach Ric Charlesworth, who is on the brink of becoming only the second man in the history to win both as a player (1986) and a coach.

“We have a different set of players, different strategies, different coach. I watched the last two finals as a spectator, but am confident this time will be different. I would not like to take credit for the performance though,” said Charlesworth.

Australia were the pick of the teams before they were made to fight hard for a 2-1 victory over The Netherlands in the semifinals. On the other hand, Germany — held to two draws in the league — thrashed England 4-1 to ensure a place in the final.

German captain Maximillian Muller fancied his team’s chances even though only three members of the team here were part of their triumph at home four years ago.

“Consistency is the key to our success. We have done well so far, but performances till the semifinals have no bearing on the final,” said Muller, who would be deriving confidence from the way young guns like Florian Fuchs have grabbed their opportunities.

Australian captain Jamie Dwyer was cautious though confident because of the presence of prolific goal-scorers like ace drag flicker Luke Doerner and the mercurial Glenn Turner, apart from himself. “The Germans are a young side, but they can be a tough team to beat. The final will be a different ball game, but essentially, it will be the Australian attack versus the German defence,” Dwyer summed up the prospects of the final.