MUSCAT: World champions Germany beat World No 4 England by a solitary goal to clinch the title in the FIH Men’s Olympic Qualifier Oman 2024 at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat on Sunday night.
After a keen contest between the top-ranked teams, Martin Zwicker broke the deadlock for Germany in the 56th minute from a penalty corner.
Germany got one penalty corner each in the first three quarters but could not put them past the England goalkeeper.
England were able to get their first penalty corner in the fourth quarter but could not take advantage of it.
Germany and England earned the Olympics spots with wins in the semifinals on Saturday. Germany beat Pakistan 4-0 while England accounted for New Zealand 3-1.
NEW ZEALAND QUALIFY
New Zealand earned the third qualifying spot available at FIH Men’s Qualifier Oman 2024 when they fought back to edge out Pakistan in a crucial third-place play-off earlier on Sunday.
In a keenly-fought match at Hockey Oman Stadium, Pakistan struck the opening goal in the 18th minute after a goalless first quarter. Abu Mahmood put Pakistan in the lead by scoring from a penalty corner.
Scott Boyde made the score level in the 24th minute for New Zealand from a penalty corner. Abu Mahmood converted a penalty stroke in the same minute as Pakistan went ahead immediately at 2-1.
Pakistan kept their 2-1 lead at the half-time.
New Zealand kept attacking in the third quarter but Pakistan defended well to keep their lead.
The Black Caps continued their push for the equaliser in the final quarter. Hugo Inglis found the 2-2 goal for New Zealand with a brilliant strike.
Buoyed by the equaliser, New Zealand kept charging for the winner. After a quick move by the Black Caps, Scott Boyde netted the crucial winner with just two minutes to go.
Pakistan’s last-gasp efforts were successfully defended by New Zealand and they emerged 3-2 winners and won the final ticket to Paris Olympics from Oman Qualifier.
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