Monday, June 30, 2008

Champions Trophy Rotterdam : Final Score

Australia defeated Spain 4-1 to win a record-equalling ninth men's hockey Champions Trophy title here on Sunday.

Australia assistant coach Colin Batch hailed the win which matched Germany's titles in the tournament as useful preparation for the Beijing Olympic.

“It was an excellent tournament for us and great preparation for the Olympics and to find our Olympic squad,” Batch said.

Australia will announce their Olympic squad on July 10.

But coach Barry Dancer admitted he now faces a selection headache.

“Selection was always going to be very, very difficult and this tournament has not made it any easier,” he said. “I always anticipated that next week would be a difficult time for the players.”

Spain coach Maurits Hendriks was critical of his side's finishing.

“We started well and took the game to Australia in certain moments and created chances in front of goal but we did not capitalise on those chances,” Hendriks said.

Earlier Argentina drew 2-2 with Holland in regular time, and won a penalty shoot-out 5-3, to take bronze for their best finish in the tournament.

In another match, Germany scored twice in the last ten minutes to beat South Korea 3-1 and take fifth place.