New Delhi: Germany created history by winning the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup for the fourth time after defeating Spain 1-0 in a tightly contested final. The victory moved Germany level with Pakistan as the joint most successful nation in the tournament’s history.
Germany had previously lifted the men’s World Cup in 2002, 2006 and 2023. Spain, meanwhile, reached the final for the first time since 1998 but remained without a maiden world title.
The final was dominated by disciplined defending, with both sides struggling to create clear scoring opportunities. After a goalless first half, Germany finally broke the deadlock in the 44th minute when Michel Struthoff converted a well constructed attacking move from open play.
Spain responded with sustained pressure and produced several attacks during the third quarter, but Germany’s defence repeatedly denied the equaliser. Spain also earned penalty corners, but failed to convert them.
The Spanish side went all out in the closing stages, even replacing goalkeeper Luiz Calzado with an additional attacking player. Germany held firm until the final whistle to secure the championship.
Earlier, Argentina claimed the men’s bronze medal after beating the Netherlands 2-1. Tomás Domene opened the scoring before Floris Middendorp equalised, while Argentina captain Mathias Rey scored the decisive goal from a penalty corner in the 59th minute.
Argentina won their third Women’s Hockey World Cup title after defeating the Netherlands 3-1 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Netherlands took the lead through Yibbi Jansen just before half-time with her eighth goal of the tournament. Argentina fought back and captain Maria Granatto levelled the contest in the 54th minute by converting a rebound from a penalty corner.
Argentina dominated the shootout, with Victoria Granatto, Brisa Bruggesser and Sofia Cairo finding the net. The Netherlands scored once but missed two attempts.
The victory ended the Netherlands’ run of four consecutive women’s World Cup titles and avenged Argentina’s defeats to the Dutch in the 2022 World Cup final and Tokyo Olympics final.
Argentina had previously won the women’s World Cup in 2002 and 2010, making this their third global title.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
