Germany odds on for Azlan Shah Cup

30/03/2003

ALL but one of the coaches of the competing teams believe that Germany
will lift the Azlan Shah Cup for the third time today.
Only the coach of Pakistan, Germany's opponents in today's final,
believes otherwise.
Kevin Towns and Jeon Jae-hong, coaches of New Zealand and South Korea
respectively, did not mince words when they said Germany have the upper
hand because they utilise every chance they get while Pakistan have not
been very sharp in attack.
"Germany will win because they have very strong team players, while
Pakistan are a little soft," said Jeon, who is a physical fitness freak.
Towns tipped the Germans because "they have a very strong foundation,
while Pakistan miss too many chances before tucking the ball in."
Germany edged Pakistan 3-2 in the 1987 final in Ipoh, and lifted their
second title in 2001 by beating South Korea with a similar score.
In the preliminary round this year, the Germans won 3-2 and, if
anything, the trend suggests a close battle today.
Shahnaz Sheikh is unhappy with the way his team played in the last two
matches, especially the 1-0 win over South Korea.
"If we play like we did today (Friday) we are finished. But I believe
the boys will lift the game and the title on Sunday (today)," said
Shahnaz.
Pakistan were the 1999 and 2000 champions, with Shahnaz the coach in the
earlier tournament.
Bernhard Peters, Germany's coach, said they expect a hard time from the
swift Kashif Jawad and Nadeem Mohamed but they can be stopped.
"It will be a close match, just like the preliminaries, but I will stick
with my initial target of defending the Cup.
"Although I have four young players in my side, they have shown great
teamwork, and their confidence level has increased with each match," said
Bernhard.
Pakistan play entertaining hockey and are the top scorers in the pool
with 13 goals, even though they have missed numerous chances, but they
have also let in six goals - exposing the vulnerability of their defenders
and goalkeeper Ahmad Alam.
Ahmad Alam was only at his best against South Korea refusing to budge
even though the Koreans attacked from every angle. The Koreans forwards on
one occasion shoved him so hard he went tumbling into his goalmouth but
still saved the shot. If he is in similar form in the the final, half of
Pakistan's battle is won.
Germany have the best goalkeeper of the tournament in Arnold Clemens,
who has 196 caps to date. He played in big role in helping Germany lift
the Kuala Lumpur World Cup last year.
Clemens knows how to stop deadly Pakistan drag-flicker Sohail Abbas, as
they have faced each other in numerous tournaments and will again be
Peters' trump card.
Today - New Zealand v South Korea (3.0pm).
Final: Pakistan v Germany (5.30pm).
Note: Entrance is free.
(END)