New Delhi, Nov 14: Forward Sophie Mayen scored a golden goal as Germany defeated New Zealand 3-2 in the final of the 22nd Lal Bahadur Shastri Under-21 women's hockey tournament on Saturday.
Sophie's strike came in the fifth minute of the extra time from a pass delivered by Pia Oldhafer as they earned their hard-fought victory over Black Sticks in the summit clash played at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
The two teams were tied 2-2 at the end of regulation period, with German goals coming from Viola Scharf (11th and 45th minute) and New Zealand scoring through Pippa Hayward (35th minute) and Julia King (43rd minute).
Earlier, in the bronze medal play-off, India defeated Australia 3-2 to avoid the ignominy of finishing last in the four-nation hockey event.
In the final, Germany took an early lead through a penalty corner flick by Scharf. Stung by the reverse, New Zealand went into the overdrive, spelling danger to the rival citadel in open play and forcing three penalty corners in 13th, 22nd and 33rd minutes.
German goalkeeper Amelie Klaumunzer did an excellent job to deny any success to the Black Sticks from the three penalty corners they got.
However, New Zealand drew level in the 35th minute when Hayward converted a penalty corner on rebound.
Egged on by a small crowd, both the teams went into the breather locked at 1-1.
In the second half, New Zealand made several raids in the opposition circle, resulting in a goal in the 43rd minute with King sounding the board.
Two minutes later, Germany drew level through Scharf who scored a field goal on rebound after Mayen failed to convert the penalty corner.
With scores level on 2-2, the match went into extra time, where Germany got the title-winning goal with Mayen advancing down left and on entering the circle dispatched a rasping shot which beat New Zealand keeper hands down.
