Aussies slump to Germany

19.05.2008

Stumble ... Australia pipped by Germany. AP

AUSTRALIA slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Germany while the Netherlands saw off China 3-1 on the second day of the women`s Champions Trophy field hockey tournament.

Australia lacked the determination to win the 50/50 contests which gave Germany the scoring opportunities to lead 2-0 at the break through a field goal by Anke Kuhn and a penalty corner conversion by Anneke Bohmert.

“They were all over us in the first half. We lacked composure and we didn`t play well and allowed Germany to control the ball through the middle of the pitch,” said Australia coach Frank Murray.

Megan Rivers scrambled a goal five minutes before the end for Australia, who earned a penalty corner in the last minute but the hit from the top of the circle was penalised for being too high.

Fanny Rinne, Germany`s captain for the day, felt the pressure in the last five minutes.

“We played well in the first half but Australia put us under a lot of pressure after they scored and I am happy that in the end we had one goal more,” Rinne said.

Netherlands` decisive 3-1 over China was crafted by Marilyn Agliotti deflecting in two short corners and Minke Smabers converting a penalty stroke following China`s early goal by Yudiao Zhao.

“These are surprising results for my team and our way of playing is also a surprise for me, so I am happy with the result and the way we played,” said Dutch coach Marc Lammers.

Argentina, the world number two, were fortunate to win 2-1 over Japan in a low quality match marred by numerous midfield turnovers by both teams.

Next up in the tournament China meet Australia while Japan play Germany.

Agence France-Presse

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