Netherlands claim 2007 Champions Trophy title The Netherlands claimed the 2007 BDO Hockey Champions Trophy, women’s title after defeating host Argentina in Quilmes, Argentina 1-0. An early goal by Maartje Paumen was enough for the World Champions to take another title home. Germany claimed the bronze medal after a 2-0 victory over Australia. The Netherlands were simply stronger than Argentina and the undefeated Dutch team quickly made their intention to stay undefeated clear when they shocked the stadium with an early goal after only three minutes. The Dutch team boldly emphasized why they are considered the best women’s team in the world at the moment by playing disciplined, tactical, and efficient hockey.

By the second half Argentina had got back into the game - they were attacking again and again - but again and again they hit the solid Dutch defense.

The bronze medal match saw Australia lining up against Germany. Both teams had finished on seven points from their pool matches, with Australia higher in the table thanks to better goal difference. However, while Australia’s performance had been stagnating for the last few games, the German team was just coming together and consolidating after a rocky start.

The match thoroughly reflected this situation, with Germany dominating throughout. Australia on the other hand suffered from too many unforced errors and had difficulty to mount a convincing attack or string together more than a few passes.

In 70 minutes without significant highlights, Germany scored twice with an early goal from Janine Beermann and another halfway through the second half, when Silja Lorenzen took advantage of a great pass into the circle, deflecting the ball into the net. This was enough to defeat an exhausted Australian team.

The final day started with Japan and Spain playing out the relegation match. Stakes were high - the defeated team was to be excluded from the 2008 tournament.

Spain had the better opportunities however out of 11 penalty corners in the first half none were converted. The uneventful first half ended 0:0.

When the two teams returned Japan took charge producing a number of excellent shots which might have taken the tally to four or five. As it was they got two. Spain began to lose discipline and began to offer no resistance. With a 2:0 win, the Asians end their first Champions Trophy appearance on a high note and push Spain out of the next Champions Trophy, denying them a prime opportunity for preparing for the Beijing Olympic Games.

Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Lisanne de Roever (NED)

Best Player of the Tournament: Minke Booij (NED)

Fair Play Trophy: Argentina

Topscorer: Noel Barrionuevo (ARG)

GOING DUTCH

The Dutch ladies look incredible at the moment. From Booij in defence to Moreira De Melo in midfield to Lammers in attack the team is well organized, strong and has a desire to win that is palpable from the stands. Players such as Polkamp have speed while there is an aggression and strength seen in players such as Moreira De Melo (she may be a model but England captain Kate Walsh will testify to her aggressive streak as she was the one taken out of the World Cup by a Moreira De Melo tackle). These qualities are far more important than any playing system but coach Marc Lammers has managed to keep a cohesion to the team even though three players quit and others are injured so the team is quite new.

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