Germany wins fourth men's hockey World Cup with 1-0 victory over Spain

Michel Struthoff celebrates after scoring a goal.

Germany’s men’s hockey team were crowned world champions after beating Spain at Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium, on Sunday. They successfully defended their World Cup crown for the second time in history and became only the second team, after Pakistan, to win the title four times. Coached by André Henning, Germany had lost to Spain in the second round earlier in the tournament. But they came out on top when it mattered most, securing a 1-0 victory courtesy of Michel Struthoff’s goal in the 44th minute. Against the run of play, Germany went on the offensive and released Struthoff inside the semi-circle. He did brilliantly to guide the ball past Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado on the run. Struthoff had another opportunity to double Germany’s lead in the final quarter but could not keep his shot on target this time. It ultimately did not matter as Germany held on to lift the trophy. Speaking after the match, Germany captain Christopher Ruhr, who was named Player of the Match, was delighted to prove the doubters wrong. “I think everyone said, ‘Ah, the Germans this year? Nah, they won’t be there.’ Everyone focused on the other teams, but we showed what we’re capable of and played an amazing competition,” Ruhr told the broadcaster. “It was unbelievably tough. I think Spain played a hell of a tournament. We always struggle against Spain — they’re a tough side, and they played a really good game today. We had the lucky end.” Spain indeed dominated large parts of the game, recording nine shots on goal, 24 circle entries and four penalty corners. But Germany defended resolutely to deny Spain their maiden World Cup title. But their victory would not have been possible without the heroic efforts of goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg. He made several superb saves throughout the match, including a brilliant stop with his left hand to deny Borja Lacalle from the left. His presence also forced the Spaniards to go wide during their penalty corners and that made a huge difference.

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Germany, however, did not look at their best in the opening stages. Their crosses often lacked precision, while heavy touches repeatedly disrupted their attacking moves and allowed Spain to threaten. In the end, however, the Germans did just enough to secure the win and retain their world title. It was also heartbreak for Spain coach Max Caldas, who had previously lost a World Cup final in 2018 while coaching Netherlands. The Dutch side had gone down to Belgium in a shootout at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Meanwhile, there was further heartbreak for Netherlands, who finished without a World Cup medal for the first time since 2006. They lost 1-2 to Argentina in the bronze-medal match earlier on Sunday.