Hockey hopes dashed
August 6, 2012
The German women's hockey team only had a slim chance to make it into the semi finals.
And they didn't take it.
In their final group match they managed no more than a 0:0 draw against New Zealand.
Germany, the 2004 champion, needed to win by at least a three-goal margin to squeeze past New Zealand into the next round. Although the Germans managed to score twice, both goals were disallowed, one of them following a video referral.
The German team was seen to be stronger throughout the match and the result comes as a surprise as New Zealand had not so much as drawn with Germany in eight years, and only last month were hammered 5-1 in a friendly.
"We were total outsiders before the tournament," said New Zealand's goalkeeper Bianca Russell. "The attitude of the team is thrilling to see, such a talented bunch of girls. I think half of Auckland is in London at the moment."
With the draw New Zealand qualified for their first Olympic semifinal ever, and currently lead Pool B with 10 points. Argentina is currently second with 9 points and Australia is third with 9 points after their most recent match.
On Thursday the German women will now play one more match at London 2012. It's their last chance to secure a disappointing seventh place.
The German men's team, current world champions, remain in the tournament despite having lost to The Netherlands 1:3 on Sunday.
German team sports are not well-represented in the competitions. Neither the men's handball, basketball nor the football teams qualified for the London Games.
rg/sej (dpa, sid, Reuters)