Germany came back from two goals down to beat defending champions Belgium 5-4 on penalties in the final of Men’s Hockey World Cup.
Germany had to wait for 17 long years to regain their Hockey World Cup glory when they defeated Belgium in the final of 2023 final held at Bhubaneshwar in Odisha. Trailing 0-2 at the break, Germany scored three goal in the second-half to take a 3-2 lead. But Belgium scored in last minute of normal time from a penalty corner to equalise.
Niklas Wellen in 29th minute, Gonzalo Peillat in 41st minute and captain Mats Grambusch in 48th minute scored for Germany in the regulation time while Florent van Aubel Florent in 10th minute, Tanguy Cosyns in 11th minute and Tom Boon in 59th minute found the target for Belgium.
Standing at 3-3, the match entered into penalty shootout in which Germany eventually prevailed 5-4. German keeper Jean-Paul Danneberg made three saves. Germany won the World Cup for the third time after 2002 and 2006.They joined Australia and Netherlands who also clinched the title three times. Only Pakistan have won the event four times.
