Monchengladbach: With a display that demonstrated a blend of adeptness and athleticism, Germany retained the hockey World Cup after scoring three goals in the space of nine minutes to beat Australia 4-3 on Sunday.

The Aussies led 2-1 at half time and 3-1 a little later after the break. But in what can be best portrayed as a blitzkrieg, the Germans hit three goals to transform the trend and tempo of the match, escalating excitement among the stands to a crescendo.

In a pulsating contest, fit to be described as among the best played in World Cup finals, the Germans showed the spirit and gumption to recover after a sedate and listless start.

None symbolised the sparkle of the home team than the ebullient striker Christopher Zeller whose peach of a goal midway in the second half proved the match winner. Trapping the ball from near the midfield, the gangling Zeller swerved his way through delectably and capped the effort with a immaculate shot.

Germany's recovery

Germany's recovery after the 1-3 was triggered by Mortiz Fursate, but it was Emmerling's splendid goal that brought the team on par. The move was initiated by Emmerling who went in tandem with Sebastian Draguhn.

Receiving the pass, Emmerling unleashed a backhander that curved over the goalkeeper, Stephen Mowlan. And than came the memorable goal by Christoper Zeller. The Aussies who had everything going well for them till the early part of the second, were totally rattled by the pace, precision and opportunism displayed by the Germans.

Actually, it was Germany which began well with a goal by Christopher Zeller midway through, but within minutes came the equaliser by Mark Knowels. Matt Nylor drove home a penalty corner.

With Mike McCann and Nathan Eglington designing the moves supported by Brent Livermore and Elder, the Aussies looked well set.

When Troy Elder netted shortly after the break, it looked as though the Aussies were walking back home with the trophy regained after 1986.

But that was not to be.

The fight back and the eventual conquest by the Germans were as exemplary as they were extraordinary.

Bronze for Spain

A gem of a goal, and a golden one that, by Pol Amat gave Spain the bronze against South Korea in a tense contest.

The match winner surfaced in the first minute of the extra-time from an astute pass by Francisco Fabregas amidst spontaneous cheers.

Actually, the Spainiards were fighting to save the day after allowing Korea make good the 2-0 lead they had established. The Koreans fought exceedingly well in the second half and looked like overcoming Spain. At this point came Pol Amat's spectacular goal.

Spain, a silver medallist in 1998 at Utrecht, was 11th in the last edition at Kuala Lumpur, while South Korea retained its fourth place.

Jacques Rogge, President, International Olympic Committee, gave away the World Cup. Jaime Dwyer (Australia) was adjudged Player of the Tournament while Christopher Zeller (Germany) and Ulrich Bubolz (Germany) were named Promising Player and Best Goalkeeper respectively. New Zealand got the Fair Play award.

The results: Final: Germany 4 (Christopher Zeller 2, Motirz Fursate, Bjorn Emmerling) bt Australia 3 (Mark Knowels, Matt Nylor, Troy Elder). Half-time:1-2.

Third place: Spain 3 (Eduard Tubau, Santi Friexa, Pol Amat-gg) bt South Korea 2 (Jang Jong Hyun, Jong Ho Seo). Half-time: 1-0.

Final positions: 1. Germany, 2. Australia, 3. Spain, 4. Korea, 5. England, 6. Pakistan, 7. The Netherlands, 8. New Zealand, 9. Japan, 10. Argentina, 11. India, 12. South Africa.

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