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1st FIH Indoor World Cup

The First Indoor World Cup Final between Poland and Germany resulted in victory for the hosts, Germany.

This Mens final started at electric pace and the pace never let up in the first half. Christian Domke of Russelsheimer HTC drew first blood for Germany in only the 2nd minute catching Poland on a break. Germany piled on the pressure but still did not look as fluent as in previous matches. Canada and France has tested the Germans so the Poles were optimistic. In the 10th minute, Poland attempting to slow the Germans down won a corner which was duly converted by Rafat Grotowski.

A lack of concentration though allowed the skilful Oliver Domke (GER) too much room tight against the back line and he scored from an acute angle - Poland were punished.

Poland were forced on the back foot now and Marcin Pobuta in goal for Poland denied Oliver Domke again. More defending was required by Poland as the Germans continued to make incisions and raids into the Poland circle.

As half time approached, Germany raised the tempo even more and began all out attack on Poland (in the previous two games Germany appeared vunerable when under all out attack but Poland did not do this).

With three minutes left in the 1st half, Kunz combined with 21 year old Witthaus to extend the German lead. 30 seconds later Bjoern Emmerling struck the boards for Germany and by now one sensed a German double was inevitable. Another minute later, Poland by now out of ideas fell 1-5 behind when Bjoern Michel scored after intricate play by Germany - all indoor specialists of course.

Oliver Domke extended the lead to 6-1 within 4 minutes of the restart. Half way though the first half, the Arena was now relaxed and relatively quiet - German fans saving their energies now for the celebrations to come.

Germany simply sat back and countered only when Poland and then Oliver Domke completed a hat trick afteryet another great combination, this time with Emmerling.

Finally as the noise levels reached an illegal level Poland won their final Penalty Corner in the last 15 seconds from which they missed. The 7000 partisan crowd counted out Poland and celebrated an historic double Gold.

This was nothing less than deserevd by the country with the toughest and most competitive indoor league in the World.

This event will raise interest in Indoor Hockey across the World and has been a tremendous success.

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