Defending champions Germany produced a disciplined defensive display to edge Spain 1-0 in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup final and draw level with Pakistan’s record of four titles.
Tournament top scorer Tomás Domene gave Argentina the lead by converting a penalty corner in the 41st minute, but Dutch midfielder Floris Middendorp equalized the score in the 49th minute.
In front of approximately 8,000 spectators at the Belfius Hockey Arena, built this year, both teams displayed excellent defense and consistently thwarted each other’s attempts. After a goalless first half, Spain launched ten attacks on the German goal in the third quarter, but Germany prevailed. After the break, Spain dominated possession with fluid hockey and launched several attacks with control.
The only goal of the match was scored by Germany’s Michel Struthoff in the 44th minute in run of play. In the first fifteen minutes, both teams earned a penalty corner each, but failed to achieve success. Germany attacked first and earned a penalty corner in the second minute, but Benedikt Schwarzhaupt’s shot was saved by the Spanish goalkeeper. Spain’s Borja Lacalle failed to counterattack in the ninth minute. In the 39th minute, Gerard Clapes passed the ball to Pol Verdiell Cabre inside the circle from the right flank but he was obstructed, earning Spain their second penalty corner. Captain Marc Miralles’ drag flick, however, went wide of the goal. In the 44th minute, Germany scored their first goal from open play, demonstrating excellent coordination from the right and left flanks. Michel received the ball from the right and, with the Spanish goalkeeper out of position, easily deflected it into the net. Spain made ten attempts in the third quarter, but Germany prevailed. Argentina captain Mathias Rey, playing in his sixth World Cup, scored the winning goal from a penalty corner in the 59th minute.
