Euro Hockey Championship 2025: Germany Defeats Netherlands in Thrilling Final

Germany wins record-breaking Ninth European field Hockey title

Germany claims ninth European field hockey title, defeating Netherlands 4-1 in shootout after 1-1 draw in the EuroHockey Championship 2025 final.

“We fought so hard, developed so much and we always believed in the dream of becoming European champions here...”

Germany Wins Record-Breaking Ninth European Field Hockey Title

Germany has made history by defeating long-time rivals the Netherlands in a thrilling shoot-out, claiming a record-breaking ninth men's European title in field hockey. The German team, led by outstanding goalkeeper Jean Danneberg, showcased exceptional skill and determination in the final held in Mönchengladbach.

Die deutschen Hockey-Männer haben bei der Heim-EM in Mönchengladbach erstmals seit zwölf Jahren wieder den Titel geholt. 🔥💪

➡️ Die Weltmeister setzten sich in der Neuauflage des olympischen Finales von Paris mit 4:1 im Shootout gegen den Titelverteidiger und Olympiasieger aus… pic.twitter.com/XJgkBnhaw7

— Sky Sport (@SkySportDE) August 16, 2025

The match saw Germany emerge victorious with a score of 5-2 against the Netherlands, after the game ended 1-1 in regular time. Danneberg's impressive saves in the shootout were instrumental in securing Germany's win. This victory marks a significant milestone for the German hockey team, ending a 12-year wait for their last European title.

This win not only brings glory to Germany but also secures their spot in the 2026 Men's FIH Hockey World Cup.

“Unbelievable, in this stadium here, all the spectators, I'm speechless,” said Jean Danneberg, the outstanding German goalkeeper, after securing a thrilling win over the Netherlands in the penalty shootout. Danneberg's impressive performance in the shootout, where he won the duel with the scorer twice, was instrumental in Germany's 4-1 victory.

“We fought so hard, developed so much and we always believed in the dream of becoming European champions here. The fact that it's working is breathtaking.”

The German team showed exceptional skill and determination, with outstanding goalkeeper Jean Danneberg making crucial saves in the shootout. Justus Weigand, Michel Struthoff, Hannes Müller, and Thies Prinz scored in the shootout, securing Germany's victory.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹. 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘁-𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸. pic.twitter.com/MafwIkAfJU

— OranjeHockey 🇳🇱 (@oranjehockey) August 16, 2025

The Netherlands took the lead through Tijmen Reyenga, but Weigand equalized in the final quarter, sending the match into a shoot-out. Germany held their nerve, with Danneberg shining in the shootout to seal the win. This victory marks the first time since 2013 that the “Honamas” have celebrated a European Championship title again.

Final Standings

• Champion: Germany (record-extending 9th title)

• Runner-up: Netherlands (7 titles)

• Bronze Medal: Spain (defeated France 2-0)

• Fourth Place: France

Germany's win not only brings them glory but also secures their spot in the 2026 Men's FIH Hockey World Cup. The Netherlands, Spain, and other top teams showcased their skills in the tournament, making it an exciting competition.

Germany finally got their revenge against the Netherlands, defeating them after the Dutch team won the 2024 Olympic final. This recent European Championship win also marks a turnaround for Germany, which lost to the Netherlands in the finals of the 2021 and 2015 European Championships. The Netherlands has a strong record in field hockey, having won several titles including three Olympic Games and seven European Championships.

Captain's Farewell Victory

For captain Mats Grambusch, the European Championship title in his home city marks a perfect ending to a memorable career. Grambusch, the only player in the squad to have won the title previously, was crowned European champion in 2013 at his tournament debut. He celebrated his return to the top with a victory in what is likely his farewell game for the German national team.

The sold-out Hockeypark was electric on Saturday evening, with the crowd creating a cauldron-like atmosphere that added to the tension of the match. The fan groups engaged in a lively duel, exchanging chants and cheers as the action unfolded on the field. Despite the intense atmosphere, the first quarter remained scoreless, with goalkeeper Jean Danneberg making a spectacular save with his stick just before the final whistle. Danneberg's impressive save earned him a nod of respect from his opponent, who offered a handshake in admiration.

The Netherlands took the lead through a penalty corner, which proved too much even for Germany's outstanding goalkeeper Jean Danneberg. However, Justus Weigand equalized for Germany in a surprising turn of events, keeping the match level at 1-1 and setting the stage for a thrilling finish.