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Dutch double in Champions

The men in orange completed a double for The Netherlands over Germany when they defeated their counterparts 2-1 in sudden death extra-time in the 22nd Men's Champions Trophy final at the Wagener Stadium.

Yesterday, the Netherlands women defeated the German women's team in the final of the 8th Women's Champions Trophy to set the stage for today's fantastic finish by the men.

The women's victory had obviously whetted the Dutch appetite and some 9,000 orange-clad Dutch hockey fans turned up at the stadium today.

With an army of singing fans behind them, it wasn't long before the Dutch team went ahead.

Netherlands converted its first penalty corner in the 10th minute with a deflection by Marten Eikelboom of a Jeroen Delmee drag flick at waist height to the right post.

Despite the goal advantage, the Netherlands had problems with Germany’s fast break after an attacking short corner, Germany getting in behind the Netherlands defence into the circle without scoring.

This weakness was fully exploited by the Germans which paved the way for Oliver Domke's equaliser for Germany in the 53rd minute. During a break, Christian Mayerhoffer found space on the right to send a cross to Domke.

Marten Eikelboom should have broken the deadlock 12 minutes from time, missing millimetres to the right of goal with a backstick shot from a pass by Teun de Nooijer.

Stephan Veen had two runs in possession in the last 5 minutes, cleanly robbed of possession by Michael Green and Christoph Eimer, unable to break into Germany’s circle.

The 1-1 draw at the end of 70 minutes meant a further 15 minutes of play with the first to score the winner.

Christoph Bechmann had a scoring chance in the last minute of the first period of 7 and a half minutes of extra time, failing to score with Ronald Jensen down, Sander van der Weide saving off the line.

Stephan Veen finally won the final for the Netherlands with their first scoring chance of extra time, collecting a rebound from the pads of Christopher Reitz and slamming into the net (81st minute).

Despite the defeat German coach Paul Lissek still managed to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

"We played attractive, attacking hockey, made good chances. Congratulations go to the Netherlands," Lissek said, adding that the Dutch team were a little better in the tournament as a whole, although not necessarily in the final.

"This was as close as a final can be a great compliment to Germany. It was the toughest possible win," said Netherlands coach, Maurits Hendriks.

"We prefer to play attacking hockey and to score like that in overtime without a penalty corner is the biggest compliment to give this team," Hendriks said.

In an earlier 3rd-4th placing match, Korea defeated Spain 3-0, the goals coming from Yeo Woon-kon, Jeon Jong-ha and Song Seung Tae.

Australia defeated Great Britain 3-2 to clinch fifth place.

Courtsey: www.hockeyasia.com