Australia look for final solution

Eye first title in 24 years after having fallen at the last hurdle to Germany in previous two World Cups....

The only member in the Australian contingent to know what its like to win a World Cup is the one who will remain in the dugout on Saturday when they take on familiar rivals Germany in the final. Inspirational Aussie coach Ric Charlesworth captained the team that won the countrys only gold medal at the competition in the 1986. But even he will have his task cut out motivating a team who have been faltering at the final hurdle for the last two times against the Germans.

Traditional hockey powerhouses Australia have also been among the most consistent in the last three decades. But with just one Olympic gold (2004) to show aside of that title win in London 24 years ago,its clear they tend to choke (a term one doesnt normally associate with Australian sporting outfits) at an alarming frequency.

Under Charlesworth,though,they have shown remarkable resolve in this World Cup. The only blip so far in the tournament was the 3-2 loss to England in the opening match. But they were certainly the better team on the day,creating 28 chances against just seven by England. If one factors in the umpiring errors,they were unfortunate not to get at least a point.

Thereafter,though,in Charlesworths own words,they decided not to leave things on the man in the box the video umpire and started overwhelming their rivals. They decimated India,pumped in a record-equalling dozen goals against South Africa,and clinically defeated Spain and Pakistan to cruise into the last four. In the semi-final against The Netherlands,they were clearly the better team,creating plenty of chances and converting a couple of them for a 2-1 win,a display that was far better than what the scoreline suggested.

But the perfectionist that he is,Charlesworth even finds flaw in this incredible run. We are creating a lot of chances,but our finishing remains a concern. Its not as good as I want, he said.

And Germany,he knows,will push harder than any other team they have faced so far. This German squad is different (from 2006). But they have always been tough customers. Everybody talks about the German defence but they also have very good forwards, he said.

Favourable record

Markus Weises team also have a favourable record Germany havent lost to Australia in 16 years at the World Cup. The past doesnt mean anything, said Charlesworth. This Australian team has a different make-up and they will create their own history.

Story continues below this ad

Who knows,it might be third-time lucky,but its certainly a motivation to beat Germany. My own motivation is only that these players achieve a milestone of winning the World Cup, he said.

The last time the two teams faced each other was in the Champions Trophy final in November 2009. Australia came up trumps,winning 5-3. But despite their form,and a relatively inexperienced opposition,star striker Jamie Dwyer says his team were no favourites. We always go into the tournaments as favourites,but Germany win everything, said Dwyer,for whom its the last chance to win a World Cup.

The two-time World Player of the Year was in the squad at the 2006 World Cup,but didnt play in the final. He is hoping to make amends this time. Twice when we came up against Germany in the final we lost. We want to change that. They (Germany) are a very good side,hopefully we will take our chances on Saturday, said Dwyer. It could be the German defence versus an Australian attack and we hope we will get some early goals.

It will be easier said than done against a team who havent conceded an inch going into the final. Germany started the tournament tentatively,playing a 2-2 draw with Korea,but gradually built their momentum. They seem to have peaked at the right time and that was evident from their 4-1 semi-final win over England.

live on ten sports,6:05 pm