Germany wins four-nation tournament

Amsterdam:

Germany beat Olympic champions Holland 5-4 in the final of the four-nation Rabobank hockey tournament in Amsterdam. Holland started as favourites after having won the league match between the two side 3-1, scored two goals inside the first five minutes through Matthijs Brouwer & Floris Evers. Even though Germany reduced the margin within four minutes of Holland's second goal through Bjorn Michael, the hosts restored their two goal advantage through Martin Eeikelboom in the 21st minute. Holland was 3-2 up at half time, but Germany levelled the tie just 90 seconds after the break through Michael Green as they increased the pressure on the Dutch defence. Christopher Zeller then gave Germany the lead in the game for the first time in the 51st minute as the world champions started to take control of the game. With just four minutes left before the final whistle, Mathias Witthaus knocked in the winning goal as Germany came out on top 5-4 to clinch their second title in a fortnight after the Hamburg Masters.