Visit the FIH tournament website for the women's Rabo Hockey Champions Trophy
Germany claimed the women’s Rabo Hockey Champions Trophy in Amsterdam today after a brilliant performance by playmaker Fanny Rinne lifted her team over China to the gold medal.
Germany’s first women’s Champions Trophy success was a fitting end to the tournament with the tournament’s two highest scoring teams producing a sparkling decider.
Rinne scored twice and set up Germany’s other goal against a Chinese team that impressed all with their energy, speed and attacking mindset.
Chine twice took the lead – once in each half – only to see their Germany respond immediately. Rinne scored the first herself, slotting a well taken shot before setting up Natascha Keller for her team’s second.
With nine seconds remaining, Rinne put her final stamp of the match with a drag flick from a penalty corner that – for effect – hit the right post and rebounded into the side netting on the other side of the goal.
In the playoff for the bronze medal, the Netherlands outlasted Argentina in a penalty shoot out to claim their 12h Champions Trophy medal.
Although Australia has won the most gold medals (six), the Netherlands have been the most prolific overall medal winner, with today’s bronze edging them ahead on the tally with 12 medals.
It is the ninth tournament in succession that the Netherlands have reached the medal dais with the streak starting in Berlin in 1997 and including three gold medals (2000, 2004, 2005)
The Dutch looked headed for a regular time victory before Argentina scored late in the match to level the score and send the contest into extra time.
Neither team could find the golden goal winner before the Netherlands completed a clinical penalty stroke competition to easily defeat their stumbling opponents, who missed three of their four attempts from the spot.
Earlier, Australia finished in fifth position with a 2-1 victory over New Zealand. After a scoreless first half, Donna-Lee Patrick struck twice for Australia to ensure they would avoid last place. It was still Australia’s worst ever finish at the Champions Trophy however with the Hockeyroos consistently unable to find their best form throughout the tournament.
New Zealand appeared certain to become the only team in history to go through an entire tournament without scoring a goal before Honor Dillon struck with two minutes remaining.
It was a good reward for the Black Sticks in the farewell appearance of veteran fullback Diana Weavers, who has called time on an outstanding international career.
Award Winners
Rabo Award - Player of the Tournament: Fu Bao Rong (CHN)
Shell Trophy - Most Promising Player: Naomi Van As (NED)
BDO Fair Play Award – Di Weavers (NZL)
Volvo Top Goal Scorers: Li Hong Xia (CHN), Ma Yi Bo (CHN), Fanny Rinne (GER) - 4
