EHL Final: HGC 0 Uhlenhorst 1 (after silver goal)

Uhlenhorst claimed the inaugural EuroHockey League with a silver oal in a pulsating final against Dutch side HGC, with Benjamin Kopp’s lucky deflection winning the day.

His goal in the third minute of extra-time came as he attempted to deflect a sideline hit across the goal but it found the back of Robin de Munk’s foot to send Guus Vogels the wrong way and crash into the backboard.

It was a cruel way to end the tournament and in complete ante position to the high quality and barrage of stunning goals that have made this tournament likely to be a firm fixture on the hockey circuit, revolutionising the way hockey is marketed and presented on television.

The Hamburg side, in truth, was much the stronger side creating most of the chances after a sticky first 10 minutes. Bram Lomans needed to put in an unbelievable sliding tackle to prevent Philip Sunkel’s first chance before he hit the bar and Kopp hit the post in the closing stages of the half.

Again, the game was nip and tuck throughout the second period with Barry Middleton looking dangerous up front while Iain Lewers was in great form in the centre of the park.

But UHC made most of the clear-cut chances, Carlos Nevado’s excellent running combined with Moritz Falcke’s skills looked likely to unlock the door at any stage. Vogels also pulled off two diving corner saves from Breitenstein’s drag-flicks.

But, it was HGC who had the best chance of nicking the win in the very last minute when Rody Hofkamp dissected the defence to find Floris van der Linden’s cross run. His reverse though, caught Johnnes Blank’s in-step and the chance was gone.

It meant extra-time silver goal and the heartbreak of Kopp’s bizarre goal. HGC still had two and a half minutes to get back but they barely threatened as the German side deservedly took home the trophy.