Sometimes it was sublime and sometimes it was a bit agricultural, but nobody can deny that the BDO Men's World Cup final in Monchengladach was an occasion not to be missed. The Germans were playing in front of their home crowd and did not want to spoil a party they had so ably organised - the Australians anxious to add the World Cup title to their Olympic crown. Despite the Germans taking an early lead through a goal in open play from Christopher Zeller, two penalty corner strikes - the first from Mark Knowles and the second from Matthew Naylor - before the break, left one feeling that the Australians were going to prevail. It was a feeling that was given more weight by a goal from Troy Elder three minutes into the second half. Friday's semi-final match against the Spanish, which had gone to extra time and strokes, had clearly taken its toll on the Germans, some of whom lookd leaden footed. However, there's nothing quite like playing in front of a home crowd and the Germans gradually clawed their way back into the match. A field goal by Moritz Furste and then a goal by Bjoern Emerling put the home side on even terms. The Australians were clearly missing their Jamie Dwyer, who suffered an injury in the match against Spain and remained on the bench, and their penalty corner scoring machine, aka Luke Doerner was not brought on until the last nine minutes. It was in the 54th minute that the clincher came, when Christopher Zeller scored his second, to give the home side the victory. Nobody heard the final hooter the noise from the crowd was so deafening. Players seemed to be aimlessly wandering around the pitch for a few moments until the sudden realisation that they were the victors or the defeated. The Australians were beyond consulation. The Germans celebrated. It was a glorious spectacle. Germany are the world title holder. The final score 4-3.
In the bronze medal match, the Spanish overcame the Koreans 4-3 in extra time. The Spanish have played some entertaining hockey throughout this competition and must consider themselves unlucky not to have reached the final. The Koreans have arrived on the world stage in style. A super fit side who can also entertain.
Over the next few days www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk will be updated with photographs from the World Cup. Our World Cup Special podcast will be available to download from 21/9/06 and our on-line magazine HockeyTalk will carry news, comment and stats from the competition.
