by Hockey Supporter
19. June 2009 10:31
Germany beat Australia in extra-time and made it into the final. The Germans have not been in the final of a Junior World Cup since 1993. Australia, who lost 2005’s final against Argentina, play the Bronze Medal match.
The match was not even underway for five minutes and Australia gained already their first penalty corner but Timothy Bates missed the goal. Germany got three great opportunities in row in minute 6. However, Australia’s goalkeeper Leon Hayward saved all three attempts in an amazing way. Florian Fuchs brought Germany the lead in minute 18 through a counter-attack. He grabbed the ball near the mid-line, reached the circle and shot immediately into the left corner. Germany got their next chance through Georg Schacht who was on his own in the circle but stranded at keeper Hayward. Shortly he gained a penalty corner for Germany just a couple of minutes later. That one was converted by Patrick Schmidt who received a pass from the usual flicker Martin Häner. Australia made it back into game with an important goal just before the halftime whistle. Patrick Kleinschmidt waited at the right post and deflected the ball into the net.
The Kookaburras made the equalizer in minute 44. Matt Gohdes picked up the ball in the German half and ran into goal direction. No German defender was attacking him, Gohdes went into the circle and scored with an Argentinean backhand stroke. The situation was a similar one like Germany’s counter attack goal in the first half. Australia missed to take the lead when Aaron Kleinschmidt picked up a pass from the German defence, passed quickly to Kieran Govers who missed the goal by centimetres. Ten minutes before the final whistle Germany got a good chance again but Australia’s keeper Hayward paid attention. Now it was Australia’s turn again. Timothy Bates’ penalty corner shot failed six minutes before the end of the game. The closer it came to the final whistle both got more nervous.
Australia started better into the first minutes of the extra time but could not gain any serious opportunities. The Golden Goal for Germany was scored by Florian Fuchs who paid attention when one German hit the ball out of their half to the front. Fuchs grabbed the ball, overtook two Australians and entered the circle. In a very experienced way he passed keeper Hayward, kept control of the ball and hit it into the empty goal from the right side.
Australia v Germany 2:3 after Extra-Time (1:2)
0:1 Florian FUCHS (FG), 0:2 Patrick SCHMIDT (PC), 1:2 Aaron KLEINSCHMIDT (FG), 2:2 Matt GOHDES (FG), Golden Goal: 2:3 Florian Fuchs (FG)
(source: worldhockey.org)
