Germany win ninth Champions Trophy

Germany defeated Australia 1-0 to earn a record ninth Champions Trophy on Sunday and their first since 2001.

Captain Timo Wess scored the lone goal from a penalty corner after five minutes of the final.

It was the fifth time on six occasions that Germany have beaten Australia in the field hockey final.

"We were better in the first half but Australia's superior fitness made them dangerous in the second period as they came at us in waves," Germany coach Markus Weise said.

"In sports, if you don't work hard you don't get lucky, and today we worked extremely hard to deny them a goal," he said.

Defending champions the Netherlands finished third after beating South Korea, avenging a 6-2 hammering during the round robin last Monday.

Spain edged Britain 4-2 for fifth place and a berth in next year's Champions Trophy at Rotterdam.

Pakistan equaled their worst finish in the tournament from 20 years ago when they placed seventh after beating Malaysia 3-2 in extra time.

Germany, Australia and the Dutch had each won eight championships, and after Wess gave Germany the best possible start in the final they nearly doubled their lead three minutes later when Florian Keller's attempt was cleared away.

Australia goalkeeper Stephen Lambert made two great reflex saves in the 15th minute off Matthias Witthaus, who was chosen player of the tournament.

Australia nearly equalized in the 24th when Grant Schubert dribbled round Germany goalkeeper Christian Schulte and sent in a reverse hit, but defender Max Muller blocked the ball.

A minute later, Nathan Eglington was sent off for a foul on Benni Wess. Despite playing against 10 men for the rest of the half, Germany failed to add to the scoreline.

Back to full strength after Eglington's 26-minute absence, Australia began to dominate play. But Schulte was outstanding as he repelled attack after attack to deny Jamie Dwyer, Travis Brooks and Edward Ockenden.

"I'm proud of the boys as they fought hard despite being down to 10 men for about 25 minutes," Australia coach Barry Dancer said.