German striker Florian Fuchs, in an exclusive chat with espnstar.com, reveals his desperation to reach the World Cup finals.

By Rajarshi Gupta

At 18 years, Florian Fuchs is the youngest player at this year’s Hockey World Cup but that has not stopped him from stamping his authority on the German team.

The defending world champions have a chance to become the first team to win the Cup three times in a row and Fuchs is thrilled to be part of what could be the greatest moment in the history of hockey.

“We deserved to reach the finals after playing so well throughout the tournament. There is no greater feeling for any player than turning up for a World Cup final.

It has been a great experience and it would be terrific if we can win the final. Three times in a row will be magical.”

Fuchs was merely 10 years-old when Germany started their journey to eternal glory eight years back and today he finds himself on the threshold of a major sporting moment. Does that make him anxious?

“Not really. I have loved playing against some of the best players in the world. My focus throughout the World Cup has been on scoring goals and that his how it will be when we play Australia.”

Despite scoring two goals in his side’s first win of the tournament against Canada, coach Marcus Weise had complained that Fuchs needed to adjust to team needs quickly. The youngster adjusted alright and learnt to deal with the ardour of international sport and the pressure that comes with it in front of packed crowds

“The crowd in India gets right behind you if they like what they see. It is different and I like it, very different from what it is in Germany.”

India’s failure to make it to the last-four did not discourage fans from rooting for their own favourites at the National Stadium and that is something young players like Fuchs and super stars like Taeke Taekema will take away with them.

For now, though, the focus will be firmly on young Fuchs, who has been the toast of a campaign that promises to create more ripples on Saturday night.

Got questions about the Hockey World Cup? Ask former Indian Olympic captain Pargat Singh. Send in your questions to espnstarweb@gmail.com