Germany claim hockey gold

Dutch manager admits side outplayed after 2-1 defeat.

LONDON: Dutch manager Paul van Ass admitted his side was outplayed after Germany won the hockey title for the second successive time when they triumphed 2-1 against the Netherlands, the former champions, in a blood and thunder final.

Both goals were scored by Jan Philipp Rabente, who thus denied the Dutch the chance of becoming the first nation to win both hockey golds at the same Games.

It was also frustrating for the Dutch as they had beaten the Germans in their pool match earlier in the tournament.

“I have to say the Germans defended superbly today,” said the Dutch manager. “We are very skilful, but the Germans won it despite our skills.”

Meanwhile, Germany coach Markus Weise was pleased with the win. “For the Dutch it was harder to play the final because until then they had never had any difficulty,” said Weise. “We had lost one and drawn one and we had something to think about.”

In the third-place play-off, Australia scored a deserved 3-1 win over Great Britain which earned them the bronze medal.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2012.