Germany retain Ice Hockey World Cup crown after Struthoff’s 44th-minute strike sinks Spain

Michel Struthoff celebrates after scoring a goal. The German men’s ice hockey team became world champions after defeating Spain on Sunday at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium.They successfully defended their World Cup crown for the second time in history and became only the second team after Pakistan to win the title four times. Germany, coached by André Henning, lost to Spain in the second round earlier in the tournament. But they came out on top when it mattered most as Michel Struthoff’s 44th-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory.Germany went on the attack and released Struthoff inside the semi-circle. He guided the ball brilliantly past Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado on the run.Struthoff had another chance to double Germany’s lead in the final quarter, but this time he couldn’t keep the shot. In the end it didn’t matter as Germany held onto the trophy.Germany captain Christopher Ruhr, who was named man of the match after the match, was delighted to prove the doubters wrong.“I think everyone was saying, ‘Oh, the Germans this year? No, they’re not going to be there.’ Everyone was focused on the other teams, but we showed what we are capable of and played an amazing competition,” Ruhr told the TV station.“It was incredibly difficult. I think Spain played a hell of a tournament. We always struggle with Spain – they’re a tough team and they played a really good game today. We had a happy ending.”Indeed, Spain dominated much of the game, recording nine shots on goal, 24 circle entries and four penalty corners. But Germany fought back decisively to deny Spain their first World Cup title.But their victory would not have been possible without the heroic efforts of goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg. He made some great saves throughout the match, including a superb left-footed stop to deny Borja Lacalle from the left. His presence also forced the Spanish to go wide on their penalty corners and that made a huge difference.However, Germany did not look their best in the opening stages. Their crosses often lacked accuracy, while heavy touches repeatedly disrupted their attacking movements and allowed Spain to threaten. In the end, however, the Germans did just enough to secure victory and retain their world title.It was also heartbreaking for Spain coach Max Caldas, who previously lost the 2018 World Cup final while coaching the Netherlands. The Dutch side went down to Belgium in a shootout at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.Meanwhile, there was further heartbreak for the Netherlands, who finished without a medal at the World Cup for the first time since 2006. Earlier on Sunday, they lost 1-2 to Argentina in the bronze medal match.