AMSTELEVEEN, Nether lands: Australia and West Germany stole the lead from the Netherlands in the sixth round of the champions’ trophy men’s international hockey tournament.
Both teams won to put them in joint first place with 10 points each and push the Dutch, the European champions, into third’ place, one point behind.
But the Netherlands were waiting for the chance to take back their lead when they played their match against Britain in the round Robin event later today.
World Cup winners Australia overcame Olympic champions Pakistan 31 while trophy holders West Germany forced a 10 win Over Spain but neither side found the victories plain sailing.
A 14thminute strike by Abdul Rashid caused alarm in the Australian camp.
But Marck Hager and Peter Haselhurst hit two crucial field goals for the Australians in the 32nd and 40th minutes and Neil Haw good added another to make sure of victory. Volker Knapp scored a classy solo goal as West Germany worked hard to beat a spirited Spanish side 10.
Knapp weaved his way past three defenders in the circle to slot the ball past goalkeeper Miguel Rovira in the 24th minute.
The Germans, without their main striking force Stefan Bleacher, who has a leg muscle injury, lacked penetration up front but Captain Heiner Dopp inspired them from midfield.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 3, 1987
