Germany vs Netherlands, Olympics 2012 Men's Hockey Gold medal match

After almost two weeks of competition, the final game for the gold and silver medals in the Men's Hockey tournament at the London Olympics 2012 comes down to a match between Germany and Netherlands.

These teams have faced each other many times before but not in recent major hockey finals. Coming into this game, Germany are ranked third in the world and Netherlands second. Despite only collecting the bronze medal, Australia stay at number one in the world.

The last time these two sides met in a major final was the 2006 Champions Trophy held in Terrassa, Spain. On that day, Netherlands won the match 2-1 and that was the last major tournament where Netherlands not only won beat Germany, but the last time they featured in the final of a major tournament.

Germany has been much more successful. They won the 2006 Hockey World Cup, the 2007 Champions Trophy  and are the reigning Olympic champions. They have also won more silver and bronze medals than Netherlands so are the team with the most experience in big games. Tonight, that experience will be put to the test.

These teams last met in the group phase where Netherlands ran out 3-1 winners. Throughout the group phase, Netherlands were unbeaten but not necessarily untouchable. India and Korea put them under pressure while Belgium and Germany had their chances. In the semi-finals, however, Netherlands were imperious.

They crushed Great Britain 9-2 and could have scored more. They have one of the most potent penalty corner attacks in world hockey and have to start as firm favourites to end their long drought for a major trophy. If they needed any extra impetus to go for gold, it will have been watching their Women's team win gold last night.

Germany, by comparison, had a sticky group phase and dropped points to both Netherlands and New Zealand. In the semi-finals, however, they comfortably beat Australia 4-2 and that will give them confidence that they are peaking at just the right time.

Key players to watch tonight will be De Nooijer, Ven Der Weerden and Weusthof for Netherlands. Each of these players is capable of turning a game while at the back, Stockmann in the goal is one of the hardest goalkeepers to beat in hockey.

Germany will be expecting masterclasses from the Zeller brothers, Fuerste and their captain, Mueller. They will be looking to control the game early on, nullify the Netherlands midfield and get an early lead. If they sit back and invite Netherlands on to them, this game could slip away from them before it has begun.

Whoever wins this game tonight, they will have come through a tough tournament and be rightly crowned the best in the world.


First Half
Tentative first minute from Netherlands and the give the ball away to Germany who come forward but play a wasteful ball across the D.

Netherlands have their first attempt inside the German 23m and they get into the D but Muller gets the ball away and sends 23 up the right sideline and into the Netherlands D where he loses the ball. Germany have it back again but cannot make anything of it.

De Nooijer to Hofman but the attack is snuffed out off of the pads of Weinhold. Germany get the ball clear but Netherlands into the D, and there's the shot from Hofman. Weinhold just gets to it then stumbles but Netherlands cannot get to the rebound.

Deecke wins the hit inside the 23m zone. Wesley runs up the back line but can't get the ball out onto the P spot and a German stick. Germany get another chance to get into the D but it is soon stopped.

The temperature has dropped around the stadium and there is now a cool breeze blowing. That will be of some relief to the players who are already dripping with sweat out there.

Germany bring the ball away from their 23m and Netherlands are committing some needless fouls. Sticks are beginning to flash. This could get tasty.

Germany drive the ball in but Witthaus can't do anything with it and gives up possession for obstruction. Interesting attacking option for Netherlands with just one high forward. AS they come forward, more players are making runs but they are not getting the room they have enjoyed in other games. Both defenses are doing man to man marking of the high forward and that means goals will have to be created the hard way.

After twelve minutes it is fairly even. Germany have had the more attacks but Netherlands look the more dangerous on the ball.

The advantage of defenders picking up the high attacker is that it is opening up the midfield. Both teams are able to make good ground when they have the ball.

Fuchs wins the free hit but Germany lose possession to Netherlands and Evers puts a ball into the D but it is too hard and the ball goes off the back line. In the first fifteen minutes we have almost 30 substitutions. That shows just how hard these two teams are working.

Zeller into the Netherlands D and the ball is just put off the side. The ball into the D from Furste misses everyone and ends up in the back of the net.

A number of players have slipped over already on this surface. It looks very wet out there but they've had two weeks to sort their footwear out.

Netherlands now on the attack but they have to take the ball all the way back into their own half. Great run by Baart, ball into the D, shot by Bakker and Weinhold is forced to come for it and close the angle down. Makes the save and Germany can breathe again. Germany go right up the other end and force the save from Stockmann. Both sides have had time to feel each other out and now we are seeing an injection of pace and attacking intent from both sides.

Fantastic play by Fuchs who went through three players, showed some great 3D skills and then puts the ball just wide of Stockmann's post.

Just how did Weinhold kept that ball out from Bakker? It looked for all the world that Netherlands were going to take the lead. Fantastic goalkeeping but the Germany defense was just a little exposed there. Netherlands come back again at the German defense and Verga roll the ball onto the foot of Wess.

Zeller closes down the drag flick and although Weusthof gets the rebound on target it is saved and the umpires award the hit to Germany for a dangerous ball at the penalty corner. Netherlands now applying the pressure and it results in Stralkowski being sent off for two minutes.

With just five minutes to go, Netherlands will look to take advantage of their extra man and take the lead. Germany have other ideas and Witthaus drives down the right but there is nobody in the D.

Ever's thought he had a chance there and pats Weinhold on the head after being forced over the back line. Histrionics from Weinhold for no reason whatsoever. This is just silliness and the umpire tells them both to calm down. Good advice.

Fantastic play by Rabente. He drives into the Netherlands D through three players and as he falls to the ground he gets the ball up and past Stockmann. Brilliant piece of hockey.

Germany 1 Netherlands 0

Netherlands go right back at the German goal but are forced away. That goal came against the run of play but shows just how fast this game can turn around. Long ball in from Jolie goes over the back line.

De Nooijer almost created something there but that's the hooter and it's half time.


Second Half
With the second half about to get underway, we can expect fireworks from Netherlands as they look to equalise. They are not used to being under pressure in this tournament, and now we will begin to see the measure of their teamwork.

Right away, Netherlands look to get a player unmarked around the back of Germany but the aerial ball comes off the foot.

Netherlands playing possession hockey, probing for the opening and throwing the ball over the top. Germany are now sitting back but that could be a problem for them. Now Germany come forward but are forced to go backwards. The ball into the D almost comes to Fuchs but Van Der Weerden gets the ball clear from just in front of Stockmann.

Germany seem to realise that they can't just sit back and invite the pressure. They are now making some moves of their own and Stralkowski just fails to get to the ball. That was almost 2-0.

Netherlands are resorting to the long pass because they cannot find a free man for the pass. Players have to work harder than this and make themselves available.

Bakker and Haener are having quite a tussle out there, Haener is defending well and that is starting to frustrate Bakker.

Bart runs into Mueller and Bart comes off worst. Wess clears the ball out to the side but Netherlands have it in the D but cannot get it onto a stick. This is what Germany must be careful of. Netherlands players are starting to get into the D and walk through tackles.

Fuchs and Wesley into the D. Wesley tries to flick it past Stockmann but he puts the big glove on it and sends the ball out to the side. Nice demonstration of goalkeeping technique.

Fantastic strike from Zeller and it comes off the post with Stockmann beaten. Germany are not applying the pressure on Netherlands. They are not over committing at the moment in order to prevent Netherlands getting space in behind.

Now its Netherlands turn to apply some sustained pressure and they are beginning to win free hits and drive at the D. Germany lucky to avoid the penalty corner there. Kempermann arguing with the umpire and is told to calm down. Now there is some silly pushing going on. Ball in bobbles around but Netherlands just cannot get a shot on goal. Germany struggle to get that clear, narrowly avoiding a penalty corner or worse.

Another free hit for a challenge outside the D. Germany are living dangerously and could get someone sent off if they do not calm down. The Netherlands finally get a penalty corner for the body check by Mueller on De Wijn just outside the D. This could have happened at least two minutes ago.

Good running from Haener, ball off his leg and that's another penalty corner. Germany trying to disrupt Netherlands routines and it is working.

Germany 1 Netherlands 1

That was a fantastic flick from Van Der Weerden. Germany just couldn't hold out any longer and Weinhold was well beaten. But this isn't over. A quick restart and drive into the Netherlands D and the ball comes off the foot of Jolie. Penalty corner Germany.

Haener gets the flick away but the big left hand of Stockmann gets the ball clear. Right from the restart, Germany lose Wesley to a green card. Advantage Netherlands for the next two minutes, if they can take it.

As in the first half, as soon as Germany have a player off the field, they go on the attack to try and nullify the extra man advantage. This is a good tactic and one that we should see creeping into club sides. Normally, people sit back and try and hold on.

Netherlands attack into the D and Weinhold comes, stands up and plays the ball off the back using his chest. In case you think it wasn't possible, the pace of this game has just gone up a notch.

Deecke gets the ball across the face of the goal but Stralkowski cannot take advantage. Shot by Zeller is saved by Stockmann. Hard to believe there are not more goals in this game. 

Ball fired into the D by Zeller and its off the foot of Van Der Weerden for a penalty corner. Shot comes off Jolie as he rushes out and the umpire gives a penalty corner. Netherlands ask for a review and the decision is overturned.

Netherlands on the attack but the final ball from De Voogd runs away for a German restart.

We are down to five minutes and Stockmann makes a fantastic save from Rabente. Rabente runs around the back of the goal, unmarked and when the ball is played in, he was in the right place to score.

Germany 2 Netherlands 1

Weinhold saves from Bakker and Germany are just trying to cling on now. Under four minutes of this match and Germany come away with the ball. Fuchs patsies a ball into Stockmann who just pats the ball back to a defender.

Netherlands fire a hopeful ball into the D looking for a deflection but the ball runs away harmlessly.

A huge hit from De Nooijer sees Wess take the ball on the back of the calf. Play stopped while they get him off the pitch. Two minutes on the clock when we restart. Netherlands hit and they just keep coming. Long corner and there are a lot of whistles from the umpires. Ball off the back and Germany can hit it long and eat up some time.

Inside the last 50 seconds and Germany has the ball. Netherlands have it back with 25 seconds but cannot use it. 10 seconds to go and Germany has caused the upset and beaten Netherlands. Once again the experience of Germany in the big games has come to the fore.

Conclusion
What a good first half. It was a little tentative for the first couple of minutes but then it became end-to-end hockey. The ball speed of both these teams has been superb. The control, close passing and looking up to find a player are the things we need to make sure that, as coaches, we teach to juniors.

Netherlands had the greater pressure during that half and for periods had the Germany goal under siege. When the green card was issues to Stralkowski, Netherlands must have believed that this was their moment. Instead, they made a rookie mistake and failed to deal with the breakaway.

Take nothing away from Rabente. His pickup and drive into the D was fantastic, he beat three players and still had the presence of mind to get the ball into the air and past Stockmann, even as he was falling to the floor.

Netherlands attacked hard at the beginning of the second half and Germany seemed to be willing to sit back and let them come. It didn't last long and Germany decided that they needed to get another goal because one would not be enough and so it proved.

In the 53rd minute, Netherlands struck from a penalty corner taken by Van Der Weerden. Weinhold was never going to make the save and the defender on the post was more worried about self preservation than saving the goal.

With just under five minutes to play, and after some sustained pressure, Germany snatched the winner through a great piece of opportunism from Rabente. Although Netherlands came back at them hard, they just couldn't find the telling ball when it mattered.

There were two big differences for me. The first was the speed and the willingness of the German defenders to run down the barrel of penalty corners. This disrupted Netherlands normally slick routines and kept them to just one goal from three penalty corners. The other difference was the number of shots on goal. 11 by Germany and just 5 by Netherlands.

Germany have retained their Olympic title and Netherlands have failed to be the first country to hold the Men's and Women's Olympic hockey titles at the same time.

Netherlands vs Argentina, Olympics 2012 Women's Hockey Gold medal match

The final of the women's Hockey tournament at the London Olympics 2012 sees the top two ranked nations in the world battle it out for the Gold and Silver medals. A This is the seventh match these two sides will have played in just under two weeks and there will be considerable pressure on both of them.

Earlier, Great Britain and New Zealand played in the Bronze medal match with Great Britain coming out on top 3-1. That game was end to end stuff but all four corners came from penalty corners. Going into the game there was some concern that New Zealand might be a little tired after playing extra time and taking part in the shoot out but there was no evidence of that.

Tonight, we will see two sides who have peaked at the right time. Netherlands come into this game, number one in the world rankings, unbeaten in this tournament and the only side to really push them close to a defeat were New Zealand two days ago in the semi-final. That match went to extra time and eventually to the new shoot out which proved to be extremely entertaining for everyone bar the players and their coaching teams.

Argentina had a very different tournament. They dropped points against Australia, were pushed hard by New Zealand and lost to the USA. In the semi-final against Great Britain, they went through 2-1 at the end of normal time. Tonight they will not get as much time on the ball as Great Britain afforded them and they will find the game running at a much higher pace.

One that may add extra impetus for Argentina is that this is Aymar's birthday and the best player in women's hockey has won everything bar an Olympic medal. What a day it would turn out to be if she fixed that here.

Both sides have key players. For Argentina much will depend on how Aymar in the midfield and Rebecchi up front play. The key for Netherlands will be Paumen in defence and Lammers in attack. the rest of the two sides are fairly evenly matched until we come to penalty corners. Argentina has struggled so far in this tournament but were more successful against Great Britain. Netherlands will expect to score regularly off any penalty corners they are awarded.

First Half
Netherlands get the first long corner of the game and follow that up with a free hit outside the Argentine D. Paumen drives in, gets the ball onto the goalkeeper but Mutio manages to prevent it going in. Netherlands on the attack again and the cut back onto the penalty spot from Van As finds only Argentine players who get the ball clear.

Another Netherlands attack and this time the ball is hit harmlessly off the back line. Argentina are finally getting their tackles in and can now come forward with the ball. Rebecchi can't stop it running off the back line as she gets into the Netherlands 23m.

Van As brings it forward and there is a delightful one-two with Jonker. The ball is in the Argentine D but goes out of play. Argentina to restart. There is a lot of noise in the crowd between the two sets of supporters.

Argentina on the attack now with a free hit outside the Netherlands D. Well defended and its a series of long corners. Argentina try something different and bring the ball around the back. A good run into the D  by Habib and then Merino bring a penalty corner chance for Argentina. Good strike  by Barrionuevo goes just wide.

Netherlands get a hit outside the Argentine D through De Goede. Paumen on the ball, the cross into the D is easily picked up by Aymar and she gets the free hit. Ball played long, but aimlessly, down to the Netherlands end of the pitch.

Nice build up by Netherlands in the midfield. They seem to be winning the ball far too easily in this part of the pitch. the chance is wasted and Argentina are looking for a long ball to an unmarked Cavallero. the ball comes off her foot, however, and Netherlands take the chance to build another attack.

Van As again in the midfield and Hoog has the ball but wastes it. Another wasted long ball by Argentina. Netherlands are reading these long passes and getting in first on the tackle.

Free hit Argentina but the long pass goes through the D. more wasted ball. If Argentina keep doing this they will just keep letting Netherlands off the hook. Paumen takes a lifted ball on the forearm but she is OK.

Argentine defence at sixes and sevens as Netherlands come on the attack but they manage to scramble the ball clear and can now begin to build an attack of their own but the ball is wastefully played over the side line.

Aymar takes the ball too deep into the D and the shot is easily saved by Sombroek. From the long corner, Argentina just can't make anything happen.

The game seems to be settling into a pattern now. End to end attacking but neither side really doing anything to stress the goalkeeper. This time Rebecchi gets into the D but puts the ball wide and high.

Aerial ball gets through to an unmarked Netherlands player but the pass goes to an Argentine stick.

This is a very nervy start from both teams. Some poor decisions, poor passing and lack of real penetration. Another Argentine attack breaks down without a shot on goal.

Van As brings it forward but is easily dispossessed. Netherlands win it back and look to go down the left. Once again, the tackle is all too easy for the Argentine defense. The ball is played deep into the corner but runs off the end of the pitch.

Big hit in from Netherlands but it is easily kicked away by Mutio. Polkamp drives down the side line and wins the long corner. This time the drive into the D is lost and Argentina reset but waste the chance to create an attack. Ball into the Argentine D from Hoog and Scarone has taken a hit in the face from a stick on the follow through. She has a cut just under the eye. Can Argentina use this to spark themselves into action?

Netherlands have a side line hit. Van As drives into the D and wins a penalty corner from a clumsy stick tackle by Rodriguez Perez. Great running from Rodriguez Perez and the penalty corner doesn't even produce a shot on goal.

Aymar trying to start something from the centre of the Argentine midfield. Netherlands just playing the press and Argentina are going nowhere. Van As has the ball, it is move around the pitch and a great ball in is just cut out by an Argentine stick for a long corner. Netherlands can't do anything with the restart and Argentina has the ball back.

Maccari is tripped by Goderie who is given a green card. Can Argentina take advantage of this two minute power play? The long aerial ball goes out and Netherlands will look to keep the ball as much as possible for the next two minutes. Welten goes down the right but runs into the Argentine defense and losses the ball.

Netherlands soon have the ball back and Van Male runs down the right but has no-one in the D to cross to. Van As now tries and gets the ball into the D but the shot is wasted.

Good cross in but nobody could get on the end of that. Argentina starting to pose problems for the Netherlands defense.

Great running by Van As and Van Male but the interception by the Argentine defense is hit onto a foot. Netherlands have a penalty corner and the hooter has gone. This is the last play of the half and Mutio makes a great glove save from De Goede and then a second with her pads as Van As shoots from the rebound.


Second Half
Scarone has been patched up and starts the second half. Argentina has the ball and the Netherlands content to let them move it around in their half of the pitch. Ball forward by Aymar runs off the side. Netherlands can now look to build something but they give it away. Van Geffen is forced away from the D but gets a side line ball.

Lots of missed tackles and the air rings with the clicking of what sounds like giant knitting needles.

Excellent chance for Netherlands but Van Den Heuvel is unable to keep the ball in play. Argentina win a hit for a challenge on Merino and are inside the Netherlands 23m.

Ball comes away with Van As and Hoog but is lost inside the Argentine 23m

This half seems to have started where the first half left off, too many balls lost too easily when in the opponents 23m. Netherlands trying to up the pace but it's not working. Van Male drives to the D but it is brought away by Aymar. So far Aymar is the best player out there but she is not getting the support she needs from the rest of her team.

Netherlands look like they are content to play on the break. This is normally a dangerous option against Argentina but it does seem to be working here. It's denying Argentina the space in which to run and stopping them getting into the Netherlands D.

While Netherlands sitting deep is nullifying the Argentine attack, it is not making for a very attractive game for the spectators. This is a poor game compared to the Bronze medal match where Great Britain and New Zealand went end-to-end, creating chances.

A mistake gives Jonker an opportunity to run at the Argentine defense. This brings a penalty corner and the Argentine players want a video referral for something that happened in the middle of the field which cannot happen under the rules.

Great drag flick from De Goede is met with a good save from Mutio. Unfortunately the ball drops at the feet of Van Den Heuvel who makes no mistake with the rebound.

Netherlands 1 Argentina 0

This should now open up the match as Argentina must come forward and that will create chances for Netherlands.

Argentina win a penalty corner and can strike back quickly. The ball is miss hit and Netherlands quickly push to the other end of the pitch and win a long corner. Ball is cleared by Argentina.

That was a sloppy tackle by Sruoga which give Netherlands another penalty corner. Perhaps a little too intricate from Netherlands but Mutio is up to it and gets the ball clear. Another penalty corner for more sloppy defending.

THAT WAS UNSTOPPABLE. An amazing drag flick from Paumen and there is probably no goalkeeper in the world who could have stopped that.

Netherlands 2 Argentina 0

Argentina need to up the stakes here and Aymar is having to do it all on her own. Argentina need to get into the Netherlands D and force a save from Sombroek. But yet again, the attack breaks down and Netherlands have time to ease the ball out. This time, they make the mistake and Argentina are on the attack.

Great tackle, Netherlands charge forward but the ball is knocked away for a long corner. Just over 12 minutes left to play and Netherlands fancy their chances at getting another goal. They are no longer prepared to sit back and are putting the Argentine defense under pressure. D'Elia picks up a stupid green card at a time when Argentina need everyone on the pitch. Aymar must be furious at her team mates.

With nine minutes left, Argentina are in danger of meltdown if they don't focus on getting back into the game rather than picking arguments with Netherlands and the umpires.

Netherlands in complete control now. When Argentina do get the ball, they lose it too easily or take the wrong option on the pass.

If there were ever any fears that the Netherlands might be tired after their semi-final match against New Zealand, the way they are running and moving at this stage of the game should dispel that. Netherlands come again but cannot control the ball in the D and it is an Argentine hit.

Once again, Argentina get the free hit, bring the ball away and then lose it too easily to Netherlands.Once again, it is Aymar who is trying to make something happen but there is nobody looking for the pass or making themselves available.

There is still time to force two goals and square the match but Argentina don't look like they are going to do that. When they come forward again, the ball is aimlessly hit into the D. The only person who thinks they can do something now is their coach who is urging them on from the side.

Just over one minute, Netherlands have the ball and Argentina are just making up the numbers. The Netherlands supporters in the stadium are applauding their team now. They know the job is done and that's the countdown for the last ten seconds. The Netherlands players are celebrating and rightly so. They were the better not only on the night but throughout the entire tournament.


Conclusion
The first half was a pretty dull affair. Although both teams got into their opponents 23m, the only real quality shots came from Netherlands. Mutio kept Argentina in the match in the first half but nerves seemed to have gotten to both sides. Both sides knew that if they allowed the other to score first, it would be hard to get back into the game.

The second half started very much like the first. Netherlands sat back, invited Argentina forward but picked them off in the midfield and around the edge of the D. The turning point was two penalty corner goals for Netherlands. After the first one, Argentina looked like they were going to come forward and get a goal of their own. But after the second goal went in, Argentine heads went down and it was all over.

Netherlands shut Argentina down and played by far the better hockey. Paumen scored a goal that was worthy of a gold medal match and will probably be player of the match. For Argentina, while Aymar didn't have her best game, it was so much better than the rest of her team who need to take a long hard look at themselves and ask what went wrong