Belgium loses world hockey title against Germany

Belgium failed to retain their world hockey title. Germany took the Hockey World Cup after 17 years by beating 2018 champions, the Red Lions, on penalty shoot-outs (3-3, 5-4), this Sunday in Bhubaneswar, India.

Belgium made two goals in the first quarter, confirming their reputation as quick starters in the tournament. Florent van Aubel (10th) and Tanguy Cosyns (11th) had given the Belgians this double advantage, but Niklas Wellen (29th), Gonzalo Peillat (41st) and Matts Grambush (48th) reversed the situation in favor of the Germans. 

Belgian field hockey player Tom Boon equalized at the very end of the match, snatching the shoot-outs, where Germany however emerged 5-4.

(VIV)

^{The Red Lions pose for the photographer with their silver medals during the medal ceremony after a hockey game between Belgium's Red Lions and Germany, 29 January 2023 ©BELGA PHOTO (DIRK WAEM)}