SPORTS

Australia rally to clinch Champions Trophy final

December 06, 2009 20:40 IST

Australia rallied to beat Germany 5-3 and clinch a record 10th Champions Trophy final in Melbourne on Sunday.

The Australians fought back from 1-3 down at half-time to fire in four goals in the second half to record a thrilling victory.

The victory ensures that Australia's Kookaburras will participate in the next Champions Trophy tournament at Moenchengladbach, Germany, in July irrespective of the outcome at the New Delhi World Cup next February.

Australia began with a strong intent with Des Abbott scoring in the second minute from the circle.

Germany clawed their way back into the match with eighteen-year-old Florian Fuchs scoring his fifth goal of the tournament for the equaliser.

Martin Haner converted a penalty corner and Matthias Witthaus further extended Germany's lead by scoring the third goal and keeping them in the hunt for the title.

But that was a story in the first half as Australia scripted a brilliant turn-around and converted three penalty corners in the last 13 minutes.

Australia found an early goal through Liam de Young by finishing off a saved penalty corner effort from Luke Doerner.

The Aussies found the equaliser in the 41st minute when Doerner converted a penalty corner in his trademark drag-flick.

Doerner then put the Aussies into the lead in the 50th minute with another accurately aimed drag-flick. The Germans were now beginning to tire and the Aussies took full advantage of this and kept the pressure on the German defence.

Doerner set up Australia's last goal, by making a huge aerial pass from Australia's defensive circle. Fergus Kavanagh brilliantly controlled the ball at the opposite end of the pitch and lobbed the ball over German keeper Weinhold to seal Australia's tenth Champions Trophy title.

Earlier, South Korea came from behind to defeat The Netherlands 4-2 and claim the bronze medal, and Spain downed England for fifth place.

Australia's Grant Schubert was named player of the tournament and was tied with team-mate Luke Doerner for most goals with six.

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