Gallant Kookas bow out of World Cup title contention

The Kookaburras' 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup title bid is over after Germany defeated them 4-2 in a fast-paced, attacking contest to advance to the semi-finals.

With their hopes on the line In their final match of the pool stages in Wavre, Belgium on Sunday, the Australians could hardly have asked for a better start, opening the scoring after three minutes as Blake Govers finished off after some brilliant work from Tim Brand.

At the other end, Ash Thomas produced a superb save from Germany's second penalty corner of the match.

But Germany levelled with four minutes remaining in the opening quarter courtesy of a stunning reverse-stick finish from Hannes Müller.

Just a minute later, they struck again, opening up the Australian defence as Michel Struthoff scored for a 2-1 lead at the first break.

The breakneck pace continued and Thomas denied an initial effort on goal, before the rebound fell kindly for Germany and Justus Warweg struck to extend their advantage to 3-1.

Australia clawed their way back into the contest late in the half when a crisp ball fired into the circle found Joel Rintala, who provided the finishing touch before the Kookaburras went to halftime trailing 3-2.

However, a penalty corner breakdown opened the door for the Germans and Hugo von Montgelas made it 4-2.

With Australia needing two goals to keep their World Cup dream alive, the final quarter became a battle to break down a disciplined German defence.

The Kooaburras withdrew Thomas in order to introduce an extra field player but were unable to secure another goal.