Canada defeated by Germany at World Cup
March 3, 2010
Official FIH Match Report by Yan Huckendubler
Game 10 – Canada v. Germany: 0-6 (half-time: 0-4)
The first game of day 4 pitted the youngest team of the competition (Germany, 24 years old) lead by the youngest Captain (Maximilian MÜLLER, 22) to the oldest team (Canada, 27) lead by veteran Ken PEREIRA (36). The two teams have not met often, and only once in a World Cup back in 1998 when the match ended in a 4-4 tie with Rob Short, still playing in the Canadian team today, scoring two goals.
Germany promptly took advantage of some sloppy play by the Canadian defense to take the lead by Benjamin WESS, pushing the ball past Dave CARTER in the Canadian goal. The match was played without much tempo and there were no clear chances for a while at either end. Germany had two penalty-corners in a row, but they were well defended by Dave CARTER and Paul WETTLAUFER on the line.
The pressure was nonetheless on Canada; they had a reprieve thanks to a quick whistle by umpire David GENTLES blowing a penalty-corner just when the ball was rolling in goal, but Germany came back with a vengeance and quickly scored two penalty-corners in a row, first by Jan-Marco MONTAG then by Maximilian MÜLLER, to build a comfortable cushion.
Rob SHORT and Ken PEREIRA were trying to rally the troops in midfield, but there were long sequences when the Germans were monopolizing the ball, progressing inexorably towards goal. Martin HÄNER added a forth penalty-corner goal in the 27th minute, and it was clear that it would be a long match for the Canadians, obviously not in a good day, struggling physically and losing most of the duels.
Germany had two penalty-corners at the beginning of second period, however Canada had now found the key and defended them well. The Canadians were indeed playing much better now and threatened the German circle on occasions, with a good chance for Mark PEARSON with a sharp reverse stick shot.
After the two teams traded yellow cards, Canada could not prevent another goal in the 58th minute by Florian FUCHS, left with an easy tap-in after a circle penetration by Matthias WITTHAUS. Youngster FUCHS, 18 years old, added another goal a few minutes later, his tenth goal in nine international games! Canada had a late chance on penalty-corner but they could not control it and the World Champions cruised to a comfortable win to avenge the tie against Korea in their opening game.
Match facts (Canada vs. Germany):
> Germany won 6-0 to hand Canada their biggest World Cup defeat ever.
> Canada had never lost by more than four goals in World Cup competition.
> Today’s 6-0 victory also marked the joined second biggest World Cup win for Germany and their biggest in 32 years since beating India 7-0 in 1978.
> Germany equaled the Pakistan’s longest World cup unbeaten streak by avoiding defeat in their 15th consecutive World Cup match. Only Australia have ever set a longer WC run without defeat (20 matches).
> Benjamin Wess and Florian Fuchs (GER) joined David Alegre (ESP) and Ashley Jackson (ENG) as players to have scored in both of their team’s matches at the 2010 World Cup.
> Florian Fuchs (GER) scored twice against Canada. He has now netted three goals at the 2010 World Cup.
> Germany skipper Max Mueller became the third captain to score at the 2010 World Cup, joining Jamie Dwyer (AUS, 2 goals) and Rajpal Singh (IND, 1 goal).
> Canada are still to collect their first points at Delhi 2010.
> Germany are now on four points from two matches.
For additional information, pictures, video clips, official game sheets, and more, please check the special FIH event site @ http://www.worldhockey.org/worldcup/.
Hero Honda FIH World Cup 2010 (men) – Delhi, India
Results Day 4 – Wednesday 3 March 2010
Canada v. Germany 0:6 (0:4)
GER 3mn Benjamin WESS (FG) 0:1
GER 21mn Jan-Marco MONTAG (PC) 0:2
GER 22mn Maximilian MÜLLER (PC) 0:3
GER 27mn Martin HÄNER (PC) 0:4
GER 58mn Florian FUCHS (FG) 0:5
GER 63mn Florian FUCHS (FG) 0:6
