1st FIH Indoor World Cup

The German Ladies sustained some severe pressure but were always experienced enough with the Indoor game to hold off a formidable challenge by Netherlands.

Trailing to a Gude goal (Germany) in the 4th minute, the Dutch were inspired and rode some luck as they held the Germans and matched them for skill and stamina.

In the 17th minute we saw a frantic period when Germany moved into a 3-0 lead through Boehmert and Keller. Just as the game looked beyond Netherlands, van Greenhuizen pulled one back. At this time and throughout the whole match no corners were converted by either side.

Second half saw the Dutch continue to foil Germany and van Greenhuizen again closed the gap in the 25th minute.

Both teams had chances as the tension mounted. One sensed the next goal could tip the balance and come from the eventual winner. It was too as Germany extended their lead after a reserved build up and captain Franci Gude of Rott Weiss Cologne deflected home a long pass from Steffi Hiepen.

Germany added another into a keeper-less Goal after Netherlands opted to play with 6 on the field in the last 2 minutes.

Germany became World Champions.

In earlier matches Netherlands Men beat Canada on penalties for 5th place and the France scored Bronze medal match victories against Switzerland 8-6 (Men) and Czech Republic (Women) 3-1. Belarus finished 5th in the Ladies after a 4-1 win over Lithuania.



by Indy Bahra

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