The men's Champions Trophy in Melbourne ended today, with England finishing in bottom place after being sunk by a golden goal after their match against New Zealand ended 2-2 in normal time.
Although the result is disappointing for England, they are not the only nation to have experienced a difficult tournament. Olympic champions Germany were also the victim of a golden goal decider in their match for fifth place. Playing Belgium, now coached by former Dutch international Marc Lammers, they found themselves trailing 0-3 before staging a comeback. But at 4-3, with only two minutes left on the clock, Belgium was awarded a penalty stroke, which was converted by Alexandre De Saedeleer. Four minutes into golden goal extra time, Sebastien Dockier scored the winner for Belgium. As a result of the defeat Germany finish sixth in the tournament. One small compensation was the naming of Moriitz Fuerste as FIH Player of the Year.
The final was also settled by a golden goal, with Australia's Kieran Govers scoring in the 75th minute in their match against The Netherlands.
The all Asian bronze medal match between Pakistan and India was won 2-1 by Pakistan.
In England's 7th/8th place match against New Zealand, the Kiwis drew first blood with a 19th minute goal from Stephen Jenness. But Darren Cheesman equalised for England just before half time, and England took the lead mid-way through the second half when captain Barry Middleton found the net. But there was heartbreak for England when Nicholas Wilson scored New Zealand's equaliser with less than ten minutes of ordinary time left. New Zealand's winner came from Wilson as the end of the first period of extra time neared. Final score 2-1 to New Zealand.
Final positions: 1. Australia, 2. The Netherlands, 3. Pakistan, 4. India, 5. Belgium, 6. Germany, 7. New Zealand, 8 England.
A full report on the Champions Trophy will appear in the January edition of our on-line magazine, HockeyTalk.
