Hockey World Cup 2023: Germany beats Belgium in shootout crowns champions for 3rd time
germany-vs-belgium
New Delhi: Germany proved their resilience and stood tall in front of defending champions Belgium, lifting the glories silverware for the third time. Germany defeated Belgium in the high octane final by 5-4 in penalty shootout on Sunday at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar.
Germany joined Netherlands and Australia as a joint 3rd time world champions. Only Pakistan has maximum title under their belt. They have clinched the title for record four times. Germany also claimed the first ranking at the FIH men's worlds outdoor ranking..
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Belgium started the game on the front foot and Florent van Aubel Florent (10th), Tanguy Cosyns (11th) netted the ball and Belgium took the lead in first quarter.
Germany also gave terrific reply with Niklas Wellen (29th), Gonzalo Peillat (41st) and captain Mats Grambusch (48th), scoring for the Germany. But Belgiumb bounced back to show once again, their never-dying attitude and fought with Tom Boon (59th), goal on the target for Belgium.
The goalkeepers amazing show
Both the goalkeepers showed their amazing saving skills in the thrilled finale. Belgium had the chance to 3-0 ups at the second quarter but German goalkeeper Alexander Stadler successfully palmed away the ball from the target.
The red lions also showed some rigid game play. Germany had the golden chance to pull one back in the 19th minute but Tom Grambusch wasted a penalty stroke with Vincent Vanasch making a stunning save.
Belgium and shootout affair
Shootouts are favourite weapons for the defending champions who had won Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in the shoot-outs as well as the 2018 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup finals.
But this time, it was against Germany who won 8 out of the 10 shoot-outs. Germany played really tough game and showed strong mental-stability.
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Winners for the 2023 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup awards:
- Best Player- Niklas Wellen (Germany).
- Best Goalkeeper- Vincent Vanasch (Belgium).
- Best Junior Player- Mustapha Cassiem (South Africa).
- Hero Top Scorer- Jeremy Hayward (Australia).
- Best Team Goal Celebration Award (South Korea).
- Fan's Choice Award- Christopher Ruhr (Germany).
- Fair Play Award- Belgium.
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