Men's hockey medal is very close to Crimea
Germany's Hockey World Champions remain a regular guest in the Olympic semi-finals. In Paris, the team defeated Argentina in a dramatic final phase to set up a clash with record Olympic champions India.
In a thriller, Germany's gold medal quest continues. The team coached by Andre Henning beat Argentina 3:2 (2:1) in a rematch of the 2020 Tokyo quarter-finals, booking their place in the last four. 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'). Germany had also won their quarter-final clash in Tokyo three years ago, and now have two chances to win an Olympic medal, with gold being the ultimate goal.
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, who beat them in the bronze medal match in Tokyo three years ago, ending Germany's 20-year medal streak. In the other semi-final, Spain will face European champions Netherlands.
"Keep your head in the game!"
Against Argentina, coach Henning had urged his team to "take control of the game." Germany tried to control the play, but Argentina defended solidly. Hinrichs found a gap, but Argentina equalized quickly through Casella Schuth after a penalty corner. Argentina was aggressive in tackles, and Henning had warned beforehand about their "poisonous team."
"Stay focused! Keep your head in the game!", Henning called out to his players during the first quarter break, but Germany continued to struggle. Neither side created many clear scoring chances. Peillat finally scored from a penalty corner, celebrating euphorically against his former team. Since 2022, the Rio 2016 Olympic champion has played for Germany after a falling out with the Argentine federation.
Argentina kept pressing, and goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg saved a shot from Bautista Capurro Zubeldia (40'). After the break, Germany increased the pressure, but Argentina also had chances. Danneberg and defender Tom Grambusch kept Germany in front, but Mazzilli brought Argentina back into the game.
Then came Weigand's hero moment, scoring on a pass from Niklas Wellen. Argentina pulled their goalkeeper with three minutes left, making for a tense and dramatic finish. But Germany kept their cool and defended two Argentine penalty corners in the dying seconds.
The Olympic Games 2024 in Paris is eagerly anticipated by the German Hockey World Champions, following their dramatic victory over Argentina. With their semi-final victory, they now have a chance to avenge their bronze medal loss to India at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
In the semifinals of the upcoming Olympic Games 2024, the German Hockey World Champions will meet their rivals, India, seeking to break their curse and claim their fifth Olympic title.
