Germany are the winners of the Hockey World League Semi
Final tournament in Johor Bahru after defeating Argentina 4-2 in a
pulsating tournament final. Florian Fuchs scored twice to help the world
number 1 side to victory, although they were given a huge test by an
Argentinean team that looks capable of rapidly rising up the FIH World
Rankings over the next few years.
The match brought to an end a fantastic week of top class hockey in
Malaysia, which saw three teams – Germany, Argentina and England – seal
their places at the 2014 Rabobank Hockey world Cup. There were also
individual prizes handed out to the players who excelled during this
tournament, with Germany captain Max Mueller winning the Player of the
Tournament while 20 year old Argentina defender Gonzalo Peillat picked
up the gong for Talent of the Tournament (U-21). The Goalkeeper of the
Tournament award was given to Korea’s Lee Myung Ho, while three players –
Abdul Haseem Khan (PAK), Gonzalo Peillat (ARG) and Christopher Zeller
(GER) – shared the top scorer awarded with seven goals apiece.
Argentina gave as good as they got in a fiercely
contested and hugely entertaining first half, twice coming from behind
against the Olympic champions to go into the half time break with the
scores on par. Christopher Zeller opened the scoring in the 22nd minute
after brilliant build-up play from Moritz Fuerste, but Argentina’s 20
year old penalty corner expert Gonzalo Peillat rattled in a stunning
leveller just four minutes later. Florian Fuchs volleyed Germany back in
front in the 32nd minute only for Matias Paredes to tie the scores up on the stroke of half time.
The South Americans were arguably the better team in the early stages
of the second period, but Germany grew in strength as the half
progressed and netted a stunning 67th minute goal when
Florian Fuchs touched home a brilliant pass from Christopher Ruehr. The
win was sealed by Christopher Wesley in the final minute, who blasted a
powerful backhand shot into the roof of the net via the glove of
Argentina keeper Juan Vivaldi. Final Standings
Silver: Argentina (Qualified for 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup)
Bronze: England (Qualified for 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup)
4: Korea
5: Malaysia
6: Japan
7: Pakistan
8: South Africa
Awards
Top Scorers: 7 goals - Abdul Haseem Khan (PAK), Gonzalo Peillat (ARG) & Christopher Zeller ( GER)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Lee Myung Ho (KOR)
Talent of the Tournament (U-21): Gonzalo Peillat (ARG)
Player of the Tournament: Maximilian Mueller (GER)
