New Delhi, March 12: A win away from a title hat-trick, a young German side will be looking for another clinical display in the Hockey World Cup on Saturday to get past the well-drilled Australians whose lone triumph came 24 years ago.
Beginning with a shock 1-4 defeat to England, pre-tournament favourites Australia have won five matches on the trot to reach the final and hope to be third time lucky against Germany, the 2002 and 2006 winners.
The Australians have been the most prolific scorers in the tournament, striking as many as 25 goals, including a record 12-0 against South Africa.
The Australians have been well served by their penalty-corner expert Luke Doerner who has converted seven set-pieces to emerge the tournament’s top scorer alongside the Netherlands’ Taeke Taekema. Glenn Turner(6) and Jamie Dwyer(5) have been the other principal goal getters for Australia, who went down 3-4 and 1-2 in the last two finals against Germany.
However, Aussie coach Ric Charlesworth is confident the final this time round will be different.
—Agencies