Germany men moved through the gears with Autobahn speed, precision and class in poor Tokyo weather as they continued their Olympic dominance over Great Britain on Tuesday with a fine 5-1 win.
In their first serious Tokyo test, Great Britain were completely undone by defensive lapses and the brilliance of Christopher Ruhr – headband on, arms outstretched in celebration after a superb individual goal – and Florian Fuchs’ hat-trick.
The last time these two played came at Athens 2004 as Germany rolled out 4-1 winners. From a Greek tragedy to Tokyo turmoil here, as Germany dominated a second-half following some bright early signs from Danny Kerry’s men.
A fierce Tom Sorsby turnover tackle on half-way saw a sea of red gallop towards Germany’s goal, Phil Roper firing home a forehand high up in the D in the ninth minute.
Fuchs then tipped in from a well-worked penalty corner routine with the last move of the first quarter.
The game remained level until half-time, but Germany’s second was worth the wait.
Martin Haner, looking for a direct route from inside the Great Britain half, slapped to an unmarked Ruhr near to GB’s baseline before somehow lifting from a tight angle on the left past a powerless Ollie Payne.
Chasing the game in the third quarter, goalkeeper Alex Stadler’s quick thinking quelled Liam Ansell’s attempt after a thunderous volley. Put through from a pinpoint aerial, Ansell was clear in the D but for the advancing Stadler and a glancing glove.
Minutes later, GB were left floundering at the back post as Justus Weigand angled home, totally unmarked two yards out.
Germany were a united team by now and there was no way back for Great Britain, who only had one penalty corner chance.
A second European showdown arrives on Thursday for Kerry’s side in the form of Holland, the European champions.
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