— Photo: AFP

THE SAVIOUR: German players congratulate goalkeeper Ulrich Bubolz (blue jersey) after defeating Spain in the semifinal.

Monchengladbach: The script is the same, but the ambience and atmosphere will be different. At Kuala Lumpur in 2002, Germany and Australia contested the hockey World Cup final before a neutral audience. But on Sunday when they lock horns again, the Aussies have to deal against vociferous, passionate German fans, whose spirit and enthusiasm are akin to what we saw during the last football World Cup.

Coach Berhard Peters is a proud man having steered his youthful bunch to the last hurdle in the defence of the World Cup won four years ago for the first time. The manner in which the Germans rose to the occasion in the semifinal against Spain on Friday to win in a tie-breaker after a nerve-wracking tie underlined the strength and character of the team.

The Germans enjoyed a brief lead twice, but the Spaniards, displaying more individual skill and style, came back into the match forcing extra-time and the tie-breaker. Germany, however won 3-1 when Pol Amat of all flunked a crucial stroke. Goalkeeper Ulrich Bubolz was the cynosure, making delightful saves.

Essentially, therefore it is the element of speed, set play and the essence of youth, which the Aussies have to contend with apart from the home advantage. Aficionados here adore Christopher Zeller in the same way as the football fans did Klose.

At 21, Zeller is a spectacle whenever he weaves through the defence or executing those deadly penalty corners. Equally facile are Mortiz Furste and Sebastian Draguhn. The team also has a seasoned midfielder in Bjorn Emmerling, supported by Timo Wess and Matthias Witthaus, and an excellent goalkeeper in Bubolz.

Interestingly, the cup record for the contestants is similar, one gold, a silver and a bronze each. Germany's first trophy triumph came in 2002, while for Australia, it came two decades ago — in 1986 at Willesden.

All-round proficiency

Australia's strength is experience and all round proficiency. It is the best balanced outfit, strong in every layer. The firing line consisting of Jaime Dwyer, Nathan Eglington, Mike McCann and Travis Brookes is lethal with a splendid support phalanx manned by the indomitable Brent Livermore, flanked by Troy Elder and Aaron Hopkins. The key penalty corner striker is Luke Doerner.

After a hiccup in the opening match against Spain, the Aussies recovered remarkably to win the next five in a row to be in final. But the Germans showed sings of strain in overcoming even teams like India in the opening match and figured in a disputable 0-0 draw against Korea to make the grade.

If form is the guide, then Aussies should get the nod; but there are factors, like the current euphoria, in favour the Germans.

A fitting finale is on the cards to the 12-day fiesta.

The results: (semifinals):

Australia 4 (Bevan George, Travis Brookes, Jaime Dwyer, Mike McCann) bt Korea 2 (Jang Jong Hyun, Seong Jung Kang).

Germany 2 (Bjorn Emmerling, Moritz Furste) drew with Spain 2 (Santi Friexa, Alex Fabrigas) Half-time: 1-1; Tie-breaker: Germany 3 (Christopher Zeller, Timo Wess, Philip Zeller) bt Spain 1 (Eduard Tubau). Germany won on aggregate 5-3.

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