Germany edge Spain 1-0 to claim fourth men’s Hockey World Cup title

BRUSSELS : Germany retained the men’s Hockey World Cup title with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Spain in the final on Sunday, drawing level with Pakistan as the most successful teams with four titles each.

Michel Struthoff scored the only goal in the 44th minute at the Belfius Hockey Arena, ending a closely fought contest in front of about 8,000 spectators.

Both teams defended resolutely in a goalless first half, with Germany and Spain each earning a penalty corner but failing to convert.

Spain increased the pressure after the break, dominating possession and creating a series of attacks. They earned another penalty corner in the 39th minute, but captain Marc Miralles sent his drag flick wide.

Germany broke the deadlock five minutes later when Struthoff received the ball from the right and deflected it into the net after Spain’s goalkeeper was caught out of position.

Spain responded with further pressure and earned another penalty corner in the 45th minute, but Miralles’ effort struck Germany’s first rusher.

The Spaniards continued to push for an equaliser in the closing stages, with coach Max Caldas replacing goalkeeper Luiz Calzado for an extra attacking player, but Germany held firm.

Germany, who also won the title in 2002, 2006 and 2023, had beaten Argentina 2-1 in the semi-finals. Spain, appearing in its first final since 1998, reached the decider after a 4-3 win over co-hosts the Netherlands.

Argentina claimed bronze with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands.