Hockey champion Australia send out warning

Beijing: Reigning champions Australia warned Olympic field hockey rivals of their growing prowess after securing a 2-1 win over main challengers Germany in a practice match on Thursday.

The Kookaburras scored two goals in the last five minutes to continue their psychological hold over the Germans, whom they displaced as the No. 1 side in the world after winning the elite Champions Trophy in June.

The match on the centre field at the Olympic Green Hockey Stadium was reduced to 50 minutes instead of the mandatory 70 due to the sweltering heat.