Mostar95

England men's hockey stun Germany to win European Championship

England 5 Germany 3



By Patrick Rowley
Published: 7:13PM BST 30 Aug 2009


England stunned Germany, the Beijing Olympic gold medallists, in the final of the European Championship at Amstelveen to win their first continental title.
It was England's first major title since they won the 1908 and 1920 Olympic titles before the days of Great Britain sides.

England played hockey of such a quality there can be little doubt that they will be serious contenders at the World Cup in Delhi next year and, in Great Britain colours, at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Germany, who boasted more experience, went into the final as the favourites and they quickly got into their stride leading 3-2 at half-time and well into the second half.
England's early deficit was partly due to their commitment to attack and the ability of the Germans to catch them out on the break. England's new corner striker Ashley Jackson scored the opening goal for England, his fourth in five matches.
Germany's noted striker Christopher Zeller then replied in kind before Barry Middleton, a captain who led by example, restored England's lead.
England twice went close to making it 3-1 but Zeller struck again and an unmarked Jan Montag put Germany ahead on 31 minutes.
But England showed their strength in depth and the game was turned on its head when three of England's big guns were resting.
Two corners were forced and, with Jackson, Glen Kirkham and Ben Hawes, off the field, Ric Mantell converted both and England were ahead again by the 56th minute. Germany forced three corners after that but all were safely defended.
That England's James Fair received the 'goalkeeper of the championship' award was fully deserved. His was not the only individual award. One should go to coach Jason Lee, who brought his team to a peak at exactly the right time; one did go to Jackson, deemed 'player of the tournament' at the tender age of 21.
It was Jackson who rounded off the scoring, converting a penalty for his eighth European goal.
Holland beat Spain 6-1 in the bronze-medal match, the day after they took the women's gold with a 3-2 over Germany. England's women who lost to Germany on a golden goal in their semi-final, retained the bronze with a 2-1 win over Spain, thanks to goals from Chloe Rogers and Kate Walsh.


England men's hockey stun Germany to win European Championship - Telegraph

Mostar95

It looks like England is on winning spree these days - after Ashes and victory by their tennis player in a recent tournament, this is another good victory for them.

Reverse Swing

That's a surprise for sure...

Moonstar201

good for england. They r going good in football as well