Sport

Australia win Hockey World Cup for first time in more than 20 years

06:43 am on 14 March 2010

Australia has won the men's hockey World Cup for the first time since 1986 by defeating holders Germany 2-1 in an absorbing final.

Luke Doerner scored the winner in the 59th minute through a penalty corner for Australia, who were beaten by top-ranked Germany in the previous two World Cups finals in 2002 and 2006.

Eddie Ockenden put Australia ahead in the sixth minute with an opportunist strike in a goalmouth scramble.

The World number two Australia started as tournament favourites after winning a record 10th Champions Trophy in December when they beat Olympic champions Germany 5-3 in the final.

Moritz Furste scored the equaliser through a penalty corner in the 48th minute as the young German side clawed back before man-of-the-match Doerner sealed the match with his eighth goal of the tournament.

Earlier, the Netherlands rallied to beat European champions England 4-3 to win the bronze.