'The reigning Olympic champions Germany took on host nation the Netherlands in Friday's evening game at the 2014 Rabobank Men's Hockey World Cup.

This rematch of the 2012 Olympic final began with the Dutch team having the majority of possession in front of an electric home crowd. Jeroen Hertzberger opened the scoring for the Dutch in the 19th minute after Jelle Galema's great pacy run down the wing and cross into the centre. The half time score was 1-0.

Germany started stronger at the beginning of the second half and from their first penalty corner in the 55th minute forced a smart save from the Dutch keeper. Minutes later, Nicolas Jacobi had to make an even better save to deny the Netherlands scoring again. The final 10 minutes saw a frantic German team desperately trying to score knowing that only a win would really suffice. Germany had a penalty corner right at the death and with boos raining down from the crowd they fluffed the set play and the game ended 1-0 to the Netherlands..