RUPERT BARKER, of Hockey 21, continues to assess the make up of the Olympic group stages and looks at Pool A in the women’s competition
Germany
Off the back of a successful European Championships, the Germans will no doubt go into the Olympics filled with confidence. This success is the result of a rebuilding program that the side has gone through over the last couple of years. In the forward line, they have some real talent in the form of youngster Pia Maertens who combines with the dogged and powerful Charlotte Stapenhorst.
Franzisca Hauke will maintain the family tradition and try to dominate the game from the midfield. Captain at just 24, Nike Lorenz is a crucial cog in this new German machine. She can carry the ball out of the back as well as tackle and distribute with ease. Die Danas have used some extravagant penalty corner routines in the past, but no matter whether there’s a triple transfer or a straight flick, look out for talisman Lorenz on the end of it. The side has improved a great deal and is now a genuine contender, but do they have the experience to bring home gold?
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