Germany coach completes golden double

By Annika Breidthardt

BEIJING (Reuters) - World champions Germany beat Spain 1-0 on Saturday to win their third Olympic men's hockey gold and provide a perfect double for their coach Markus Weise.

Weise was also the mastermind behind the German women's gold medal in the Athens Games four years ago. Without him, that team could only muster fourth in Beijing.

On the final hooter, the German threw their sticks in the air and piled on each other to celebrate their first men's title since 1992, while some Spaniards sat weeping.

"We are dead (tired) but happy. That's what the coach told us we should be and now, here we are," said Germany's Maximilian Mueller, a gold medal around his neck.

In a scrappy first half which prompted chants of "this game is boring" from some in the crowd, Germany had the edge over a slow-to-react Spanish side, controlling the ball in midfield.

SOLE GOAL

Germany scored the match's sole goal in the 16th minute from their second penalty corner when Christopher Zeller slammed a powerful drag flick into the top right corner of the goal.

Both teams returned from half-time looking fresher, playing more offensively and creating plenty of chances but Spanish passes often missed their targets.

With 10 minutes to go, the Spaniards launched a number of attacks but the German defense proved why it had gained its mean reputation and Spain's efforts came to nothing.

Spain's Sergi Enrique was sent off with a yellow card with just over seven minutes to go.

Germany, who were hailed by Spain's coach as the best defenders in Beijing, also beat the Spanish 1-0 in a group match.

Earlier, Australia won their fourth Olympic men's hockey bronze in a thrilling match, outclassing Netherlands with their impressive attack in a 6-2 victory.

(Additional reporting by Jane Barrett, editing by Jon Bramley)