From correspondents in Victoria, Australia, 10:01 PM IST

Germany got their Champions Trophy hockey campaign off to a winning start Saturday with a 3-2 victory over England here.

The Olympic and World champions secured the group victory on the opening day of the tournament with a 66th-minute winner from captain Max Mueller.

Hosts Australia also made a positive start, defeating South Korea 4-0 with striker Des Abbott scoring once and setting up two others, while the Netherlands prevailed 3-2 against Spain.

Germany went head through Christoph Menke before Janes Tindall levelled matters off an Ashley Jackson corner.

Jan-Marco Montag restored Germany's lead but Jackson again equalized before Mueller's winner four minutes from time.

'I'm very happy with this start. It's a positive beginning,' said German coach Markus Weise. 'The team's performance was especially pleasing.'

(Staff Writer, © IANS)