KUALA LUMPUR, 17 January 2004 — A fighting display by Australia yesterday saw them get the victory they needed as they defeated world champions Germany 4-2 to book a place in the final of the Azlan Shah Cup.
They will play defending champions Pakistan in tomorrow’s final. The Australians put up a sterling display to deny the Germans who had beaten them in the 2002 World Cup final at the same venue. Australia’s first-half lead through Michael McCann in the 14th minute was soon canceled out by Matthias Witthaus in the 32nd minute.
Grant Schubert earning the plaudits with two superbly struck second half goals ensuring Australia’s place in the final. A late German consolation was of little import.
Asia Cup champions India were condemned to last place in the tournament when their young side lost 4-1 to Spain.
India has only one point from its six matches after their latest defeat with a team including ten junior players. Their sole point came from a 2-2 draw against hosts Malaysia. The win gave Spain a chance of making the playoffs for third and fourth place but will have to wait on the result of Malaysia’s match later with South Korea.
Spain scored as early as the sixth minute when Santiago Freixa Escude converted their first penalty corner with Xavier Ribas doubling the advantage in the 20th minute.
India were awarded two penalty corners in the 21st and 24th minutes but the normally reliable Len Aiyappa failed to find the target.
Spain extended its lead in the 42nd minute when Victor Sojo Gimanez deflected a cross by skipper Juan Escarre past a bewildered Indian custodian Adrian de Souza.
India managed to reduce the deficit when Len finally found the mark in the 66th minute but Escarre sealed the win with Spain’s fourth goal in the final minute of the match.
