ATHENS, Aug 9: With modern men's hockey game tending to be won and lost on penalty corner conversion ability, a close tournament is expected in Athens Olympic Games.

Form over past four years indicates that Germany, Netherlands and Australia once again should be fighting for the gold, although emergence of Spain as a world force in past 12 months could provide upset.

Germans are all but certain to win a medal in Athens. A genuine and consistent top-three hockey power since early 70s, they recently consolidated their position as number one ranked team in the world with gold at 2002 World Cup and 2001 Champions Trophy.

Boasting a wealth of experience in every line, physically imposing German team combines flair and brilliance in attack with highly disciplined and tough defence. They should head Pool A after round games.

Recent practice results for Great Britain have been mixed. They are a danger side for all teams in Pool A, although inconsistency could be their main enemy. Having emerged as top-six team at Atlanta Olympics, and then quietly sneaking past some more fancied teams in 1999 and 2000 to win medals at two Champions Trophies and Sydney Olympics, Korea are never to be underestimated.

Their ability to hold a top three ranking over past two years has slipped relative some other emerging nations, and are not expected to finish ahead of Germany, Spain and Pakistan in Pool A.

Appearing at every Olympics (except Moscow boycott in 1980) since 1948, Pakistan earned medals from eight of these 13 appearances. However, after dominating world hockey scene from 60's through to early 80's, they have won just one Olympic bronze medal since winning gold in Los Angeles 1984.

Pakistanis free flowing and fast style of play has entertained for many years, although they have struggled to find same level of success in last few. A new Dutch coach has seen a shift in their style of play in the last 12 months, and they will pose as a danger for every opponent in the tournament.

Of particular note is their penalty corner conversion ability, due almost solely to the power and skill of Sohail Abbas. Deep defender Sohail is widely acclaimed as the number one penalty corner converter in the world.

His track record in high pressure situations is impressive, and opponents will have to limit his chances if they are to defeat Pakistan. Keep eye on lightening fast Rehan Butt in attack who often scores a goal a game.

After consistent top three finishes in 1996 to 1998, Spain looked poised to become a new, consistent medallist and genuine power in hockey. A disastrous unexpected ninth place at Sydney Olympics saw them slip into rebuilding phase. They re-emerged as serious contender, and in Athens dark horse that should push into top two finish in their Pool.

Argentina has been amongst top ten nations for some years, and only truly emerged as a genuine contender for a medal in last two. They play more defensive game than their Pool B opponents Australia and India.

Having consistently won World Cup and Champions Trophy gold medals over last 20 years, Australia has not yet won coveted Olympic gold. With silver at 2002 World Cup and 2003 Champions Trophy, Australia once again goes into Olympic tournament with high expectations.

Midfielders Troy Elder and Michael Brennan are key to Australia's success in Athens. With astonishing record of eight gold medals, India have competed in every Olympic tournament since 1920, making Athens their 18th straight appearance.

However last 20 years have not been to their expectations. India did not finish above fifth in last five Olympics, and not in top three of any major tournament since 1982.

Unfortunately, their form in last 12 months coupled with injury loss of their star penalty corner weapon, Jugraj Singh, indicates they will not be in medals at Athens.

Netherlands dominated gold medal tally in last eight years, winning nine of last 12 major tournaments. Playing style of hockey similar to that of Germans, they place a large emphasis on controlling and possessing ball in their defensive half, but punishing in attack on fast break.

New Zealand is competing in eighth Olympic tournament, having gold medal under their belt from 1976. Injuries to key players weakened in build-up to Athens. Their recovery will be critical to chances of breaking into top eight.

South Africa made it to Athens Olympic Games as 12th and final qualifier after winning with Belgium at Madrid Qualifier tournament. They will need to play above expectations to finish in top ten. -Agencies