NEW DELHI // It was third time lucky for Australia yesterday as they became world champions after a 24-year hiatus with a 2-1 win over Germany, the defending champions. Luke Doerner scored the winning penalty corner 11 minutes from the end after Edward Ockenden had put the Kookaburras - who were last champions in 1986, and were defeated by Germany in the last two finals - ahead in the sixth minute and Moritz Furste drew level for Germany in the 48th. Doerner's eighth goal in the tournament made him the joint leading scorer with Taeke Taekema of the Netherlands.
Ric Charlesworth, the Australia coach, watched the final from the stands behind the goal, rather than on the bench, just as he had done in the semi-final against the Netherlands. Charlesworth, who was part of Australia's winning squad in 1986, became only the second man after Dutchman Hans Jorritsma to win the World Cup as player and coach. The Netherlands gave their veteran goalkeeper, Guus Vogels, 34, a retirement present by taking the bronze medal with a 4-3 win over England.
"We wanted to win this one for Guus and I am proud the way we played," said Teun de Nooijer, who handed over the captain's armband to his keeper for the day. "It was incredible the way we came back in the match. Guus has been a great ambassador for Dutch hockey and has enjoyed a glorious career." * AFP
