FIH Pro League: A grand double for Germany at Christchurch
FIH Pro League: A grand double for Germany at Christchurch
Germany tasted its first wins, both in men’s and women’s section, as the visiting Europeans completed an impressive double at Christchurch in the FIH Pro League on Friday. By recording identical 3-1 wins over the hosts, the Germans moved up in the table by taking their points tally to three in men’s section and four in women’s section.
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The Black Sticks, after four games in the FIH Pro League, was lagging far behind in the final standings as it had gathered only one point with a goal difference of minus seven while in women’s section, the position was slightly better with three points and zero goal difference.
On the other hand, Germany has three points from two games with one win and a goal difference of zero in men’s section.
The day belonged to Marco Miltkau who scored the first and third goal for the visiting Germany team in an evenly contested game. Though Germans raced to a comfortable 3-1 win, the hosts put up a splendid fight against its more fancied opponents. For New Zealand, the only goal scorer was Blair Tarrant who found the target after a concerted move that caught the German defence napping.
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After a barren first half, the Germans took the lead in the 32nd minute when fast moving Marco Miltkau took full measure of the Kiwi defence before slamming the ball home .Eight minutes later another good move by Germans ended in a penalty corner. It was an opportunity fully utilized by Niklas Wellen to put the visitors 2-0 ahead.
Before Blair Tarrant pulled one back in the 49th minute, Germany went on to complete the tally in the 56th minute when Marco Miltkau once again surprised the Kiwi defence with a brilliant placement after an electrifying move.
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FIH Pro League A grand double for Germany at Christchurch[/caption]
In the women’s section, the host Black Sticks made a dream start with a brilliant field goal in the opening minute coming through Amy Robinson. But that was all the Kiwis girls could go.
Once the visitors settled down and started playing their own game, they held an upper hand by dominating proceedings. Two goals in the first half had the Germany leading 2-1 at the breather. The goals were scored by Charlotte Stapenhorst and Pia Maitens.
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After changing ends, Germany consolidated the lead in the 40th minute through a goal by Hannah.
With a win and a draw Germany has now four points from two games with a goal difference of two while New Zealand has three points from four games.
- PTC NEWS
