Hockey World Cup 2023: Germany beats Belgium, claims third title

Germany ended Belgium's dominance in global hockey in the last five years as they made yet another stunning comeback from a two-goal deficit to beat the defending champions in a penalty shootout to win the FIH Hockey Men's World Cup for a third time.

In a World Cup of high-quality hockey, the German

The Germans made a stunning comeback from a two-goal deficit to beat defending champions Belgium 5-4 in a penalty shootout of a classic summit clash. The two sides were locked 3-3 in the regulation time of 60 minutes. Credit: PTI Photo

This was the third time that Germany won after trailing 0-2 and their fabled mental strength and never-say-die attitude came to the fore again. They had done so against England in the quarter-final and against Australia in the semi-final. Credit: AFP Photo

With this, Germany joined Australia and Netherlands to have clinched the World Cup title three times each. Credit: PTI Photo

Germany's earlier triumphs had come in 2002 and 2006. Credit: AFP Photo

The triumph also took Germany to the top of FIH world rankings from the fourth place in pre-tournament. Credit: PTI Photo

Netherlands, who had finished runners-up in the last two editions, clinched their fourth straight medal after beating Australia 3-1 in the bronze play-off. They had also won a bronze in the 2010 edition. Credit: AFP Photo

The next World Cup in 2026 will be co-hosted by Belgium and Netherlands and under tournament rules, both the countries have already qualified for the showpiece. Credit: PTI Photo