Germany were crowned FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup champions following a gripping penalty shootout victory over Belgium. True to their nickname as the masters of the comeback, Germany fought back from being two goals down to beat the defending champions on Sunday. This win earns them their third world title and breaks the stranglehold Belgium has had on the sport over the last five years. The final was a nail-biter, finishing 3-3 at full time before Germany clinched a 5-4 win in sudden death before a massive crowd at Kalinga Stadium.
Germany scripted an incredible penalty shootout win over Belgium to be crowned as the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup champions. Famously known as comeback King, Germany produced yet another stunning comeback from a two-goal deficit to beat the defending champions Belgium on Sunday. The Germans became three-time champions after ending Belgium’s dominance in global hockey in the last five years. The two sides were locked 3-3 at the end of regulation time of the thrilling final before Germany eventually won 5-4 in sudden death in front of a packed Kalinga Stadium.
This match was the third time in the competition that Germany managed to win after falling behind 0-2. It was a display of sheer mental fortitude and a 'never-give-up' spirit that ultimately stopped Belgium from defending their title. By winning this trophy, Germany joins the elite company of Australia and the Netherlands as three-time winners, following their earlier successes in 2002 and 2006.
Belgium dominated the early stages of the game, with Florent van Aubel scoring in the 9th minute to take the lead. They doubled their advantage shortly after when Tanguy Cosyns tapped in a precise cross from Antoine Kina on the left wing. Germany attempted to challenge a call via a referral for a back-stick foul, but the video umpire upheld the original decision.
Even after missing a penalty stroke, Germany began their fightback in the 29th minute thanks to a goal by Niklas Wellen. The momentum shifted further in the 40th minute when Gonzalo Peillat converted a penalty corner to level the score at 2-2. Then, in the 48th minute, captain Mats Gramsbusch put Germany ahead for the first time, mirroring the comeback victories they had previously achieved against England and Australia in the same tournament.
However, Belgium refused to back down, maintaining heavy pressure on the German defense. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Tom Boon scored from a penalty corner, tying the game at 3-3 and forcing the championship match into a shootout.
Both teams started the shootout strong, converting their first attempts, but Germany's lead was jeopardized when Arthur de Sloover missed his shot. Hannes Muller then stepped up to make it 2-1, but after Marco Miltkau missed, Cosyns leveled the score at 2-2. Thies Prinz put Germany back in front 3-2, only for Antoine Kina to equalize immediately.
The pressure peaked as Wellen and Aubel both scored, bringing the tally to 4-4. In the end, Prinz delivered a brilliant effort to make it 5-4, and when Belgium failed to convert their final attempt, Germany was crowned the winner.