Germany versus England: 2011 Rabo FIH Champions Trophy – Preview
England is set to meet Germany in the Pool D match of the 2011 Rabo FIH Champions Trophy at the Wagener Stadium in Dutch city of Amstelveen on June 30.
Germany
Germany, the single title holder of the Champions Trophy, is still to mark an impressive track record in the ongoing edition of the tournament. It won only a single game, while lost two matches. Similar to the games’ results, the goal conversion rate of
Germany was also not noteworthy. It scored only 2 goals and conceded 3 in the three fixtures, which they have played so far. Though they opened the event with a victory against New Zealand, they failed to maintain their level and lost the next two matches
from Australia and the host Netherlands.
The German women want to prove a point to the hockey critics what they failed to achieve since 2006 Champions Trophy. It is vital to mention here that they lifted the only title of the Champions Trophy in the same venue five years back after taking down
China in the finals.
Only at one occasion, the German outfit failed to get a place in the top four squads. They secured the fifth place in the Champions Trophy back in 2005.
The German squad have earned nine short-corners in the three games, but could only capitalise only on one occassion.
Natascha Keller, Julia Muller, Maike Stockel, Janine Beermann and skipper Christina Schutze are experienced players from the German side who have more than 100 international caps.
England
England have a quite similar record with Germany in the 2011 Champions Trophy. They played same three matches, but lost a single game and managed two draws in the other matches. It lost to Argentina in the opening game and managed tie-scores against Korea
and China respectively at 2-2 and 0-0, respectively. Similar to the opponent's team, it has conceded three goals and scored only two in the three matches.
It is worth mentioning here that the English team has not won a single title in the Champions Trophy up until now. However, they managed a bronze medal in 2010 Champions Trophy when it thrashed Germany for the 3rd place play-off game.
Kate Walsh, Helen Richardson, Anna Bennett, Crista Cullen and Alex Danson are experienced names in the English squad who have been played more than 100 international games.
Players to Watch
Interestingly, Beckie Herbert is the only scorer of the English team who has scored a couple of goals in the three games. Apart from Herbert, Walsh and Cullen were also at their best and will focus of attention in the upcoming match.
From Germany, Natascha Keller and Julia Muller are the goal-scorers from Germany. These two are expected to play a significant role in the match.
Head to Head Statistics
Amazingly, the English team defeated Germany in the last three fixtures held in the 2010 Champions Trophy and World Cup. England took Germany down twice in the Champions Trophy including the first round match and 3rd place play-off game. The English
side also edged past Germany in the World Cup 3rd position play-off game. The Germans defeated the English squad for the last time in 2009 Euro Nations Cup.
Prediction
Based on their past encounters, it is expected that the English team will easily cruise past Germany by 2-0.
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