By Gary Anderson

August 25 - Double Olympic champions Germany became double European champions in BoomDouble Olympic gold medallists Germany became double European winners after defeating hosts Belgium 3-2 in the final of the men's European Hockey Championships in Boom today.

The men's victory completed another German double as they added to the women's triumph yesterday, reinforcing their position as the dominant force in European hockey.

The Hockey Arena in Boom was packed to capacity as an expectant home crowd were hoping to see Belgium overcome their more illustrious opponents and claim their first European title.

But it was not to be, as the men in white secured their eighth continental title, despite a resolute first half performance from the hosts that restricted the London 2012 champions to a handful of scoring opportunities and which saw both sides go in at the break scoreless.

Hopes of a famous victory for the Belgians were raised even further just minutes into the second period as Tom Boon pierced the German rearguard to put his side 1-0 up.

Boon's strike only served to awaken the German beast and within a few minutes a Martin Zwicker flick-shot had the scores level before Benni Wess smashed the ball home ten minutes later to put the favourites in the lead.

Belgium could not overcome Germany on home soil despite a strike from Tom Boon (centre)Belgium could not overcome Germany on home soil despite a strike from Tom Boon (centre)

























The hosts rallied and pushed forward for an equaliser but were met with stiff German resistance and when Oliver Korn poked the ball home from close range, Belgium knew that a first major title would have to wait as Germany seen out the remaining few minutes to retain the crown they won on home soil in Monchengladbach in 2011.

The home support acknowledged the efforts of the Belgian players after achieving the country's best ever finish at a major Championships.

Meanwhile, there was another double completed in the bronze medal match as the Dutch men followed their female compatriots by clinching European bronze.

Despite trailing 2-1 at the break thanks to strikes from Iain Lewers and Richard Smith, the London 2012 silver medallists turned it around in style in the space of three second half minutes thanks to Jeroen Hertzberger.

The Dutch sharp-shooter added to his first half strike by bagging two more to complete his hat-trick and a comeback win for his side.

Adam Dixon had a chance late on for the English but just could not get a clean strike on the ball and so England could not retain the bronze from two years ago.

Disappointment for England captain Barry Middleton as his side miss out on European bronzeDisappointment for England captain Barry Middleton as his side miss out on European bronze



























"I'm obviously frustrated that we didn't get the medal because we went out there to win, but that frustration is mixed with a lot of pride in the way that we played and have performed this tournament," said England head coach Bobby Crutchley.

"It was a 10 minute spell that lost us the game today, where our concentration dropped and we let them [Netherlands] turn the game around and we can't afford to do that against a side as good as the Dutch."

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