Germany successfully defended their European title with a 3-1 win against the Belgian hosts.

The final was played with the 8.600 seater stadium sold out and no empty seat in sight. The large and vocal crowd spurred the Red Lions on to an energetic start that saw them have several promising opportunities, but they couldn't make them count. Germany stepped up towards the break but could not yet get on the scoreboard, and the first half ended goalless.

After the re-start, it was Belgium who got the better start, as Tom Boon finished off an attack with the first goal of the match. Only minutes later however, Germany levelled the scores again, as Martin Zwicker deflected a shot across the line.

Ten minutes later, Germany then went ahead, as Benni Wess dashed into the circle from the right and slammed the ball into the boards. Belgium pushed to pull level again and had some chances, but eventually, it was the Germans again who scored, when Oliver Korn guided the ball into the goal from his vantage point at the post.

The German men thus took the crown, their record 8th European title, to complete the double after their women took gold yesterday, and denying the home team the elusive triumph on home soil. Nonetheless, the silver medal is the best finish ever for the Red Lions.