Germany’s Christopher Ruhr being sandwiched by three Belgian defenders during the final at the Kalinga Stadium. - Photo by FIH/World Sport
BHUBANESWAR: The defending champions have been taken down by the ruthless Germans.
Germany have lifted the World Cup after 17 years when they beat 2018 champions Belgium 5-4 on a penalty shootout, after the game ended 3-3 in the final at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday (Jan 29).
Belgium, known as the Red Lions, made a blistering start in the first quarter, with two goals to cement their reputation as quick starters in the tournament.
Florent van Aubel got the first in the ninth minute, while Tanguy Cosyns scored in the 10th minute.
The second quarter belonged to Germany, known as the Honamas, who had a penalty stroke in the 18th minute but Tom Grambusch’s shot was saved by Vincent Vanasch.
But they eventually got their goal when Niklas Wellen scored in the 28th minute by capitalising on a defensive rebound off a penalty corner.
After half-time, Germany got their equaliser in the 40th minute when Gonzalo Peillat finished a penalty corner.
The Germans got the lead in the 48th minute when captain Mats Grambusch scored a beautiful reverse stick shot to beat Vanasch.
And Belgium had other ideas when Tom Boon scored the equaliser to make it 3-3 and brought the game to a penalty shootout.
But the Germans had the last laugh winning it 5-4.
Germany now have won the World Cup the three times, first in 2002 and second in 2006.
