Bhubaneswar: The culmination of Hero Men’s Champions Trophy 2014 saw Germany lifting the glittering silver trophy post beating Pakistan in the Finals here at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.

The day started with England beating Belgium to claim the 7th position followed by the match between Argentina and Netherlands wherein the latter’s gallant comeback in the 4th quarter helped them claim the 5th position in the tournament. This was followed by the clash between Australia and India with the former champion Australia claiming the bronze and India settling for the 4th position in the tournament.

The closing ceremony witnessed awards for the Hero Best Player of the Tournament, Hero Top scorer of the Tournament, Tata Steel Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Cairn India most energetic Player, MCL Best Junior Player of the Tournament and Nalco Fan’s Choice Award.

In the Final match between Germany and Pakistan Goals from Christopher Wesley and Florian Fuchs were enough to give Germany a superb and richly deserved 2-0 victory over Pakistan in the tournament final of the Hero Men’s Champions Trophy 2014 in Bhubaneswar. A sell-out crowd witnessed the Germans claim their 10th Champions Trophy Gold medal, their first since 2007.

Germany controlled the majority of the first quarter and could easily have been ahead in the opening five minutes, with Christopher Rühr failing by a fraction to touch home a fierce cross into the circle before Florian Fuchs crashed a backhand shot wide of the right post after an impressive solo run.

The reigning Olympic champions continued to turn the screw in the second period and eventually were rewarded when Wesley touched home the opener from close range in the 18th minute. It really should have been Germany’s second goal, coming hot on the heals of a clear goal scoring opportunity being wasted by Mathias Müller with Tobi Hauke also missing a glorious chance ahead of the half time break.

Pakistan were forced to defend deep for long stages of the third quarter, but fought their way back into the game and began to assert some serious pressure on the German circle. However, the Germany’s defensive line - marshalled by imperious captain Moritz Fürste - held firm to take a slender advantage into the final 15 minutes of the match.

The Greenshirts had a fantastic opportunity to equalise when Shafqat Rasool showed fine skills to create an opening, but his cross somehow failed to be picked up by his two team-mates in front of the goal before Rühr almost scored a magical solo goal for the Europeans ahead of full time.

Post the historic victory, Germany Captain, Moritz Furste said “We started very slow in the tournament but it was an excellent ending. Playing against India gave us an understanding about the Asian style of playing which helped us to defend against Pakistan today. It was team effort and the young guns did a splendid job. Today’s crowd was very positive and supportive which pepped us up. I must thank the crowd for their support; it was like playing at home today. Bhubaneswar has proved that they can hold the World Cup here, accommodation and hospitality was amazing”.

Speaking post the loss, Coach Sheikh Shahnaz said “What happened yesterday was sad and the Indian crowd here has been very supportive for us. The Germany team played well and won the match. The defeat today was not of Pakistan but of the entire Asian Sub Continent as from the start of the tournament it was European Hockey vs the Asian Hockey”.

Hero Best Player of the Tournament: MORITZ FURSTE, GERMANY

Hero Top scorer of the Tournament: JEROEN HERZTBERGER, THE NETHERLANDS

Tata Steel Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: SREEJESH PARATTU, INDIA

Cairn India most energetic Player: SV SUNIL, INDIA

MCL Best Junior Player of the Tournament: AKASHDEEP SINGH, INDIA

Nalco Fan’s Choice Award: SARDAR SINGH, INDIA