In her second Olympics appearance, Sunshine Coast hockey product Jodie Kenny will again come home without a medal after finishing fifth at London 2012.
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“We have got stronger and stronger in the tournament”, Germany midfielder Hannah Kruger said.
The Americans beat No. 2 Argentina and No. 3 Australia in their first two matches at the Games, then toppled Japan and India to take the lead in their pool.
The final German goal, with just over a second left, came after a cross eluded five retreating Kiwi defenders to reach Florian Fuchs, who nailed the victor.
Germany, able to score 2 goals early, secured their bid for a definite medal, despite the heart Team USA displayed.
It may also have signalled the end for Australian captain Madonna Blyth after 342 worldwide appearances and three Olympics. “It’s disappointing for us, but we want to get the bronze medal”.
With less than 10 minutes on the clock, Anita McLaren flicked a thrilling goal off a penalty corner and set the pace for the remainder of the match.
“But we believed in ourselves. Take nothing away, that was exceptional hockey to be on the other end of”.
Kelsey Smith made it 2-0 before the break and although Australia’s Kathryn Slattery halved the deficit early in the third quarter, New Zealand responded quickly.
But New Zealand tried to work a penalty corner, and Germany counter-attacked.
Although heavy rain made the playing conditions far from flawless, the re-match of the London 2012 Olympic final was utterly absorbing throughout.
“That was the best New Zealand performance I’ve ever seen”, Furste said. “We have an unbelievable team”.
German captain Moritz Fürste scored two penalty corner drag-flicks to restore parity before Florian Fuchs netted a brilliant victor with just 1.4 seconds on the clock.
Gonzalo Peillat’s penalty corner shot was saved by the stick of Spain’s Miguel Delas in the goalmouth.
However, with Tom Boon back in the lineup for Belgium and the force of Tanguy Cosyns, this team has the potential to give the Netherlands a serious run. The video evidence was clear, and Gilardi’s stroke easily beat goalkeeper Francisco Cortes.
“It’s an historical night”, said John-John Dohmen, reflecting on the match. “I was sure where I was going to put the ball and confident about that”.
Germany’s Florian Fuchs celebrates after scoring against New Zealand and winning the match during a men’s field hockey quarter final match at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016.
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Another team who clearly did not feel the pressure of the occasion were Belgium (WR: 6), who were cool, calm and collected as they knocked out two times Olympic gold medallists the Netherlands (WR: 2).
