Germany hit form again to make history

Coach Markus Weise celebrated a third successive gold medal, having previously led the women’s side to victory in Athens in 2004 before switching to the men for Beijing four years ago.

And the latest achievement meant Germany became only the second nation – the other being Holland 12 years ago – since India in 1956 to retain their title.

Their star in the 2-1 final victory over Holland was the unheralded midfielder Jan Philipp Rabente who chose the most opportune moment to score his first goals of the tournament with a strike in each half.

Prior to his brilliant double, the only player in the squad who had scored fewer was goalkeeper Max Weinhold.