Hockey: Domke fires Germans to World Cup triumph

Florian Kunz, Germany's 29-year-old captain, lifted the World Cup on Saturday after his side came from behind to clinch a 2-1 victory over Australia in a thrilling final. For Kunz it crowned a highly successful week in which he was announced as International Player of the Year for 2001 and Player of the Final.

In a game played at a breakneck speed, Australia opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Troy Elder at a penalty corner. Germany equalised on the interval, Kunz's powerful drag corner going high into the roof of the net.

Germany's winning goal came from Oliver Domke, who had been a constant thorn in the Australia defence, following a goalmouth mêlée with just five minutes remaining. The Dutch took the bronze medal beating Korea 2-1 in a mundane match.

England finished seventh, one place lower than in the last World Cup four years ago in Utrecht, but at least had the satisfaction of gaining some revenge on Malaysia for their defeat in the Pool stage by beating them 3-2 in the play-offs. The coach, Malcolm Wood, praised his players for their efforts in the hot and humid conditions but knows there is plenty to be done before July's Commonwealth Games in Manchester.