Moenchengladbach (Germany), Sep 17 (DPA) Hosts Germany came from 3-1 down to defeat Olympic champions Australia in a thrilling seven-goal World Cup final here Sunday to claim back-to-back world titles.
Germany, who had beaten Australia 2-1 in the final in Kuala Lumpur four years ago, scored three goals in an eight-minute spell in the second half after the Australians appeared to be in control to clinch an exciting 4-3 victory.
Christopher Zeller opened the scoring for Germany on 18 minutes, but Australia hit back to score through Mark Knowles (20), Matthew Naylor (25) and Troy Elder (39).
The game appeared to be slipping away from the home side as Australia took command, but a goal from Moritz Fuerste on 46th minute triggered a tremendous fightback.
Three minutes later Germany levelled through Bjoern Emmerling, and Zeller added his second goal of the match and his eighth of the tournament with a winner on 54th minute.
Australia fought desperately for an equaliser and were unfortunate to see a flick from Luke Doerner strike the post following a penalty corner with just under five minutes remaining.
Germany's victory means they become the second country after Pakistan (in 1978 and 1981/82) since the tournament began in 1971 to defend the world title.
Germany coach Bernhard Peters, who is stepping down after the tournament to take on a football job, praised the "courage and determination" of his side after they had fallen 3-1 behind.
"It was just brilliant the way the boys pulled this game around," he said.
"We played a pressing game and put the Australians under pressure, forcing them into making mistakes. We deserved it."
Third place went to European champions Spain who defeated South Korea 3-2 thanks to a golden goal in extra-time.
Pol Amat struck the 71st-minute winner to give Spain the bronze in an exciting and hard-fought encounter in which South Korea had battled back into the game after going 2-0 behind.
Amat picked up a miss-hit on the left before dribbling into the D and flicking the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
Eduard Tubau (10) and Santi Freixa (41) had put Spain in charge but the Koreans took the game into extra time with goals from Jang Jong Hyun (43) and Seo John Ho (59).
Earlier Japan ended their tournament with a 2-1 victory over Argentina thanks to a goal a minute from time from Kazuyuki Ozawa to finish in ninth place.
India defeated South Africa 1-0 to finish 11th and confine their opponents to the tournament wooden spoon. A lacklustre game was settled by Rajpal Singh in the 56th minute.
Results Sunday at the men's hockey World Cup:
Match for 11th place
India 1 South Africa 0
Match for 9th place
Japan 2 Argentina 1
Match for 3rd place
South Korea 2 Spain 3 (golden goal in extra-time; full-time 2-2)
Final
Australia 3 Germany 4