Germany (7) v (2) Norway
GERMANY powered their way to a decisive win over Norway with a 7-2 win in the quarter-final of the Dignitary Cup on Melbourne pitch today
Germany (7) v (2) Norway
By Claire Varley
GERMANY powered their way to a decisive win over Norway with a 7-2 win in the quarter-final of the Dignitary Cup on Melbourne pitch today.
With a pair of lady Vikings cheering them on, Norway kicked off the match with an impressive display of commanding ball skills. However, in a match dominated by tight defensive plays, the German pressure proved too strong and Germany's Artur Walencik found the net first with a flying kick at goal.
With the ball up their end, Norway patiently passed across the goal face, placing careful shots on goal, all of which were held off by the strong German defence and quick keeping of Martin Pfeiffer. The waiting finally paid off as Norway's Oddvar Anderson smoothly slid the ball into the goal.
Injury time was called as the Norwegian keeper Helge Sjolyst fell to the ground after defending a fast German attempt on goal. Norway's reserve keeper, Australian player Tim, jumped into goal, only to have a ball from Germany's Denny Iwan sneak past him and into the net.
A powerful German ball nearly took off its second Norwegian keeper as Tim took a ball in the face but powered on after some vigorous head shaking.
A final goal from Walencik took the score to 3-1 Germany's way at half time.
Germany came back pumped, with Patrick Helliger angling in his first goal of the match. Denny Iwan snuck another goal past Tim, before Norway's Arild Haland pushed a well placed ball past the German keeper.
The German keeper picked himself up quickly, defending a handful of good Norwegian balls. Walencik scored another goal for Germany, before Iwan took his third goal for the match.
A Norwegian chance off a penalty shot was foiled by superb German goalkeeping, and the match went Germany's way, 7-2.
Photos: Photoworx