Germany's Hockey Teams Conquer the World

International hockey's first indoor World Cup ended in celebrations for the Germans as both the men's and women's teams overcame difficult opposition to claim the championship titles in Leipzig on Sunday.

The men's team briefly struggled against Poland in their final, while the women labored against a tough Dutch side to eventually come out triumphant.

German men romp to 7-1 victory

The German men went ahead thanks to early goals by brothers Christian and Oliver Domke while Matthias Witthaus, Björn Emmerling and Björn Michel added later strikes to give the Germans a convincing 5-1 halftime lead.

Oliver Domke, who scored Germany's winner against Australia in last year's outdoor World Cup in Malaysia, got his second point of the game four minutes after the restart. The Germans eventually romped home to a 7-1 victory to take the first men's indoor world title in style.

Women overcome resilient Dutch

Earlier on Sunday, the German women's team struggled against the team from the Netherlands but eventually secured the championship winning 5-2, a score that belies the close nature of the contest.

Germany played well in the first half and led 3-0 after 17 minutes through goals by Franci Gude, Anneke Böhmert and Natasha Keller. The Dutch replied with two goals by Marianne van Greenhuizen which pinned the Germans back as halftime approached.

By the midway point of the second half, the Germans were back in the ascendance. Gude scored her second goal of the match and effectively put the game beyond the reach of the Dutch, who responded by sending their keeper into open play and attacking the Germans with six field players. The plan backfired and the Germans took full advantage of the gaping defense with Keller, who ended the tournament's top scorer with 24 goals, breaking free to score her side's fifth.

"My team played well and they deserve a huge compliment," said German coach Peter Lemmen after the victory. "It will take a few years for other countries to reach our standard."

Coach praises 'Laurel and Hardy'

Lemmen, who is in his second year as coach of the team, said he was particularly impressed with the way Keller and Gude combined, although some might question his choice of analogy given their cohesive play. "They fit together like Laurel and Hardy," he said.

France finished third in both the women's and the men's competition. The French women beat Czechoslovakia 3-1 in the play-off for third place, while their male counterparts won 8-6 against Switzerland.