Hockey Olympic Qualifier: Germans hit it big

Two-time world champions Germany booked their berth to the Beijing Olympics when they trounced Japan 4-0 in the final of the Olympic qualifiers at the Green Stadium in Kakamigahara yesterday.

The Germans probably created a record of sorts in world hockey when they remained unbeaten and also did not concede a goal throughout the tournament.

Malaysia finished third when they defeated Poland 3-0 in the classification matches while Italy edged Switzerland 3-2 for fifth place.

Germany booked their 2008 Olympic ticket with a brilliant open play goal from Florian Keller, two penalty corner efforts from Christopher Zeller and a Sebastian Draguhn field attempt. They also beat Japan by the same scoreline in the preliminaries.

Malaysia overcame their disappointment of Saturday's 3-3 draw with Japan, which cost them a place in yesterday's final, to clinch the third spot.

The Malaysians took some time to settle down but soon warmed up to dominate the game and scored three well taken goals to romp home easy winners.

Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin scored a brace in the 26th and 69th minutes while Mohamed Amin Rahim added the other in the 53rd minute through a penalty corner attempt.

There was some consolation for the disappointed Malaysians when goalkeeper S. Kumar was voted the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Germany’s Timo Wess was named Best Player.

Italy chalked up their first win of the tournament with a 3-2 victory over Switzerland to claim fifth spot.