Germany's men's hockey team hit their stride on Day 3 of the FIH Pro League, securing a composed 4-1 victory over England. The win was built on clinical team goals and disciplined defense. Belgium, on the other hand, faced a determined Ireland side but managed to secure a 2-1 victory in Dublin. In Santiago del Estero, Argentina thrilled their home crowd with a 4-2 shootout win over the Netherlands, followed by a gritty 1-0 triumph over Germany by the Leonas. These matches showcased tight battles, standout goalkeeping, and early-season statements across both continents.
(Men's) England 1 - 4 Germany
Germany secured their first win of the season with a hard-fought 4-1 victory over England. The match was played in challenging conditions due to a brisk wind and intermittent showers. Germany's patience and control created better chances, and they capitalized on their first opportunity in the 7th minute, with Matteo Poljaric cleaning up the scraps off the goalkeeper's pads. Nicholas Bandurak equalized for England with a drag flick in the opening minute of the second quarter, but Justus Weigand restored Germany's lead with a sensational reverse stick strike from open play in the 23rd. England faced sustained pressure towards the end of the half, but James Mazarelo's brilliant save kept the score 2-1 to the Germans at halftime.
Jean-Paul Danneberg had a quiet third quarter in goal as the Germans dominated the period. His excellent save in the 41st minute resulted in a rapid counterattack for Henrik Mertgens to extend their lead. The space opened up in the final quarter, and England enjoyed long periods in the ascendancy. However, Elian Mazkour wrapped up a convincing German victory with a tap-in at the back post from open play in the dying seconds.
The player of the match award went to Jakob Brilla of Germany, who expressed his happiness after the first game, a 4-1 loss, and the subsequent win, also 4-1.
(Women's) Ireland 1 - 2 Belgium
Belgium managed to grind out a tricky 2-1 win over FIH Pro League debutants Ireland, who played with tremendous grit in front of their vocal home supporters. The higher-ranked Belgians were patient through a scrappy first half, but the high turnover rate from both teams meant few real chances. Belgium's Ambre Ballenghien missed an opportunity after rushing with just one second remaining in the opening quarter but made up for it in the 23rd minute, handing her side a 1-0 lead by halftime.
Ballenghien completed her brace with a fantastic team goal in the 34th minute, diving at the goalkeeper's pads for an excellent deflection from open play. Ireland enjoyed a period of sustained pressure towards the end of the third quarter, and only some excellent goalkeeping from Elena Sotgiu, celebrating her 100th cap for Belgium, kept them out. The Irish then missed a golden opportunity from a quick breakout after a defensive penalty corner before surviving a barrage of Belgian circle entries and penalty corners. Ireland was again denied by a double save from Sotgiu, but Ellen Curran finally gave the home fans something to cheer about with an excellent goal from a penalty corner variation.
Belgium's Charlotte Englebert was named player of the match and expressed her excitement about playing against the home crowd.
(Men's) Argentina 1 - 1 Netherlands (4 - 2 SO)
The Netherlands generated early pressure but couldn't find ways past Argentina goalkeeper Tomas Santiago in regulation. A third-quarter thunderbolt from Lucas Toscani pulled the hosts level and ultimately set up a 4-2 shootout victory for Argentina.
Thierry Brinkman nearly struck in the opening minutes, unleashing a powerful shot that left the Argentine defense scrambling. Santiago turned aside a series of Dutch circle entries, including chances generated through their aerial-led build-up. The visitors eventually broke through in the 12th minute when Pepijn van der Heijden found Brinkman, who finished calmly for the 1-0 lead.
The second quarter remained goalless thanks to Santiago's denials. Argentina found more rhythm in the third, with early warning signs from Bautista Capurro before earning a penalty corner opportunity. Toscani produced a moment of brilliance, creating space with quick hands before smashing a reverse-stick shot under the bar to make it 1-1.
Neither side found a breakthrough in the final quarter, sending the match to a shootout. Santiago came up big again with a decisive stop, Brinkman sent his attempt wide, and four composed Argentine finishes sealed a 4-2 shootout win for the Leones.
After the match, Argentina's Lucas Toscani was named Player of the Match and expressed his happiness about scoring and helping tie the game.
(Women's) Argentina 1 - 0 Germany
In a tense, low-scoring battle in Santiago del Estero, Argentina struck early and defended with composure to secure a 1-0 win over Germany. Argentina opened the scoring in the first quarter on a penalty corner earned through a baseline attack from Brisa Bruggesser, who was looking for Eugenia Trinchinetti. Agustina Gorzelany's flick ricocheted in off the glove of Finja Starck, marking her 25th goal of 2025 and the 103rd of her career.
A tight second quarter tilted slightly in favor of the hosts, with a great chance for Aylin Ovejero, who nearly connected on a clever ball from Victoria Sauze. Germany nearly equalized on a powerful run from Yani Zhong, forcing a rebound off Cristina Consentino's pads, but Sophia Schwabe couldn't find the finishing touch. That would be Germany's best chance of the game as Gorzelany then zipped a low flick just wide of the post moments before halftime. Argentina led 1-0 heading into the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Argentina carrying slightly more energy but still struggling to find a second goal. María Granatto had a backhand effort steered away by the German goalkeeper, but beyond that, Germany did well to stay in step with the hosts. While they couldn't add to their tally, Argentina closed out the win and celebrated Sofía Toccalino's 200th international appearance.
Following the match, Cristina Cosentino of Argentina was named Player of the Match and expressed her happiness and the importance of the three points in the tournament.
