London: The final of the men’s hockey event at London Olympics 2012 will be played on Saturday (today) with defending champions Germany taking on hot favorites and unbeatable Netherlands.
The Germany got off to a strong start in the men’s hockey tournament, recording three consecutive wins against Belgium, South Korea, and India. A subsequent loss to the Dutch and draw with New Zealand put the Germans second in Pool B, setting up a semifinal against Australia.
Germany put on a commanding performance against the defending world champions and Beijing bronze medalists on Thursday, defeating them with a 4-2 margin.
The Netherlands have been on a tear at the London Olympics. They have yet to lose a game, and waltzed through group play outscoring opponents 18-7 and finishing five points ahead of Germany top win Pool B.
In the semifinal, the Dutch were in fine form. They picked apart Great Britain, breezing into the final with a 9-2 victory, including hat tricks from Roderick Weusthof and Billy Bakker.
The Germans have a hill to climb against the Netherlands. Though the Dutch came up short in their last Olympic final in 2004, they have the momentum to return to the form that saw them win consecutive gold medals in 1996 and 2000.
The Germans, three-time champions in their own right, will look to stand in their way at the Riverbank Arena in London.
The final between the two teams would be telecast at 12 o’ clock in the night. According to Pakistan Standard Timings (PST).
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