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Australia to face Germany in final
December 08, 2007 22:53 IST
Three goals by Taeke Taekema ensured the Netherlands a comfortable 4-1 win over three-time winners Pakistan in their final round robin match of the 29th Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday but it wasn't good enough to secure the defending champions a spot in the final.
That bit of fortune went to Olympic champions Australia, who thrashed the already qualified Germany [Images] 5-0 to secure their place in the final.
In the final on Sunday, both Australia and Germany would bid for a record-breaking ninth title. The two nations now share the record for most wins in the event at eight along with the Netherlands.
In other matches, Great Britain held South Korea 2-2 thereby reducing the latter's chances of making it to the decider. And Spain thrashed hosts Malaysia 7-2 to ensure a strong finish.
After the final round robin matches on Saturday, Germany led the table with 16 points followed by Australia with 13. Defending champions the Netherlands finsihed third with 12 points and will now fight it out with South Korea -- also on 12 points but with an inferior goal difference -- for the bronze medal.