Steely Germans stole Australia's thunder

Germany once again proved their excellence on the Olympic stage while the Australian dream of regaining their title came a cropper on the blue turf at London.

After dousing the Australia fire in a hard-fought semifinals, the Germans prevailed over the Netherlands in another fast, attacking game to wear the Olympic gold for the second time in succession.

In the process, not only did the Germans halt the all-conquering Kookaburras who worked tirelessly under Ric Charlesworth over the last four years in hope of seizing back the yellow metal but they also crushed the Netherlands’ dreams of completing a double after their women counterparts had captured the gold.

However, the year did not end sweetly for the Germans as they finished a disappointing sixth in the Champions Trophy. World Champions Australians, though, put their Olympic disappointment behind and romped home to a fifth successive gold, showing their hunger to be the best has not subdued one bit.

On the women’s front, it was a case of of so near yet so far for record seven-time FIH Player of the Year Luciana Aymar. Searching for that elusive Olympic gold, Aymar’s hopes were dashed again after the Netherlands successfully retained their title in style, beating the Argentinians 2-0.