World Champions Argentina have won the 4-Nations-Tournament in Berlin after defeating Germany 2-0 (0-0). Australia claimed third after beating Korea 2-1 (1-0).
Argentina had to win their match against the host nation to take first place, while a tied score would have been good enough for a Germany win thanks to their superior goal difference coming into the game.
The crowd witnessed a high paced first half although neither side could break the deadlock. Celine Wilde missed the biggest opportunity for Germany when her reverse-stick shot was saved by the Argentine goalkeeper Maria Belen Succi. Germany goalie Kristina Reynolds was also in fine form, keeping her team in the game with some impressive saves.
“Las Leonas” took control of the match in the second half, pressing Germany deep into their own territory. Carla Rebecchi opened the scoring in the 53rd minute before youngster Delfina Merino doubled the lead eight minutes later. Despite some good chances, Germany failed to register a goal in the match with the final score staying at 2-0. Germany finished the tournament in second place courtesy of a better goal than Australia, who defeated Korea 2-1 in their final match of the tournament.
The Hockeyroos took an early lead against Korea when Emily Hurtz scored in the 6th minute. Korea equalized in the second half thanks to Kim Da Rae. Australia improved greatly after conceding and won the game thanks to a strike from Megan Rivers. Korea finished last in Berlin having one point.
Individual awards
Player of the tournament: Nina Hasselmann (Germany)
Best goalkeeper: Maria Belen Succi (Argentina)
Top scorer: Natascha Keller (Germany) – 3 goals
Argentina v Germany 2-0 (0-0)
1-0 53’ Carla Rebecchi
2-0 61’ Delfina Merino
0-1 6’ Emily Hurtz
1-1 41’ Kim Da Rae
1-2 57’ Megan Rivers
