Men's hockey medal after dramatic win close
Germany's Hockey World Champions Remain Regular Guest in Olympic Semifinals. In Paris, they defeat Argentina in a dramatic final phase to set up a clash with record Olympic champions India.
Victory in a Thriller, Gold Mission Continues: Germany's Hockey World Champions have taken a significant step towards their ultimate goal at the Olympics. Coach Andre Henning's team defeated Argentina 3:2 (2:1) in a rematch of the quarter-finals in Tokyo, advancing to the semi-finals. There, they will face record Olympic champions India on Tuesday.
Teo Hinrichs (9'), Gonzalo Peillat (24'), who won Olympic gold with Argentina in 2016, and match winner Justus Weigand (54') scored for the German Hockey Federation (DHB) team. Argentina equalized twice through Maico Casella Schuth (11') and Agustin Mazzilli (48'). Just like in Tokyo three years ago, the DHB team emerged victorious. Now, they have two chances to win a medal, but they aim for gold.
On their way to a fifth Olympic title after 1972, 1992, 2008, and 2012, the DHB team will first have the chance for revenge against India, against whom they lost the bronze medal match and failed to win an Olympic medal for the first time since Sydney 2000. In the other semi-final, Spain, who beat Tokyo Olympic champions Belgium, will face European champions Netherlands.
"Keep Your Head in the Game!"
Against Argentina, coach Henning had previously urged his team to "take control of the game." Germany tried to control the game, but Argentina defended solidly. Hinrichs found the gap, but Argentina equalized quickly through Casella Schuth after a penalty corner. The Argentinians were aggressive in the tackles, and Henning had warned of their "poisonous team" beforehand.
"Stay focused! Keep your head in the game!", Henning shouted to his players during the first quarter break, but Germany still struggled. Neither side created many dangerous scoring chances. Peillat finally scored after a penalty corner, celebrating his goal against his former team enthusiastically. Since 2022, the Rio Olympic champion has played for the German team after a falling out with the Argentine federation.
Argentina didn't give up, and goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg saved a shot from Bautista Capurro Zubeldia (40'). After the break, Germany kept pressing, but Argentina also had chances. Danneberg and defender Tom Grambusch initially secured the lead, but Mazzilli brought Argentina back into the game.
Then came Weigand's big moment, scoring on a pass from Niklas Wellen. Argentina removed their goalkeeper three minutes from time, making for a tense and dramatic finish. But the Germans kept their cool and defended two Argentine penalty corners in the final seconds.
The triumph over Argentina sets Germany on a path to potentially reclaiming Olympic gold at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris. Reflecting on their past encounters, the German Hockey World Champions aim to avenge their previous loss to India in the bronze medal match at Tokyo 2020.
Brimming with confidence after their victory, the German team is eager to cope with the challenge posed by record Olympic champions India, determined to etch their name in the annals of hockey history once again at the Paris Olympic Games.
