The Germans won the shootout 4-3 at Wilrijkse Plein Antwerp to stun the host nation, the world's number one team.

Australia went top of the standings as a result of Belgium's defeat.

Tom Grambusch fired the visitors ahead inside eight minutes before Tanguy Cosyns equalised in the second quarter.

Simon Gougnard put the home side in front but their lead was short-lived as Grambusch scored his second.

Germany restored their advantage through Niklas Wellen and Marco Miltkau doubled the lead three minutes later.

Goals from Cosyns and Alexander Hendrickx ensured Belgium took the match to a shootout but the Germans were more clinical as they snatched a famous win.

In the other men's match held today, Britain moved into third place after they earned an impressive 3-1 victory over the Netherlands at HC Oranje-Rood in Eindhoven.

Australia's women occupy third spot on the women's standings following a 3-2 win over China at Wujin Hockey Stadium in Changzhou.

Chen Yi broke the deadlock in the first quarter before Maddy Fitzpatrick, Emily Chalker and Ambrosia Malone took the game away from the hosts.

Xu Wenyu scored a late consolation goal but it mattered little as Australia held on for victory.

Germany's women also enjoyed success in Belgium, thrashing the home team 4-0 to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the grand final.