Rassie’s performance dazzles Die Honomas

The German team began their Rabobank Hockey World Cup campaign in an efficient, if slightly underwhelming fashion as they put four goals past South Africa. The match against 12th-ranked South Africa saw the reigning Olympic champions and second-ranked team begin at a steady pace, building patterns of play and feeling their way into the game. 

In contrast, South Africa had the better of the opening salvos and Clinton Panther was unfortunate not to get a result from his first time strike, which called Nicolas Jacobi into early action.

Germany began to ramp up the pressure towards the middle of the first half as first Christopher Zeller and then Mats Grambusch made forays into the South African circle. Erasmus Pieterse in the South Africa goal was the difference between a rout and a respectable defeat as he was called into action again and again. A rising shot from Florian Fuchs, another from Oliver Korn and a series of three penalty corners all saw Pieterse at his very best.

The deadlock was broken when Timothy Drummond fouled Benjamin Weiss in the circle and Zeller (27') stepped up to put the ball away. This signalled the start of a period of German domination. For the remainder of the half, the German team were happy to play the ball around, forcing the South Africans to chase shadows. The constant and patient German movement eventually opened up an opportunity and Thilo Stralkowski was able to capitalise with a superb shot from the right-hand side of the pitch with just seconds left in the half.

Germany added two more goals in the second half, despite some staunch defending from 'the Lads' and Pieterse in particular. The first came from the industrious Grambusch (56'), whose tireless running had been at the heart of this German victory. He latched onto a cross from Martin Zicker to fire the ball home.

The fourth and final German goal came after some fabulous play by Christopher Ruhr, who jinked his way past three defenders before shooting. Captain Oliver (59') was able to get the final touch and offer the coup de grace. 

Speaking after the match, Christopher Ruhr praised his team for their patience and perseverance. "We have a number of players with experience of big internationals, they were able to keep the younger players cool. The South Africans defended well, so we are pleased with the result."

Erasmus Pieterse, who earn praise from both teams for his performance between the sticks said: "I knew I had to bring my best game today. It is not every day that you face the Olympic champions so I knew I would be busy. Our focus today was on keeping the score down, it was more about the performance than the result."

Official Match Report (PDF)