The Netherlands claimed their eighth Champions Trophy title as they beat Germany [Images] 2-1 in the final in Terrassa, Spain on Sunday to splendidly cap off their unbeaten run in the tournament.

Earlier, Spain won the bronze medal with a penalty shoot out win over defending champions Australia.

Taeke Taekema and Teun de Nooijer, who was later adjudged as the best player of the event, scored first-half goals to give Netherlands the upper hand. Taekema converted first penalty corner for Netherlands in the 20th minute while de Nooijer doubled the lead in the 33rd minute as he got on the top of the circle and placed the ball precisely in the bottom left corner.

Timo Wess put Germany on board by converting their only penalty corner in the second half. But Germany's chances faded out eight minutes from time when Philipp Zeller received his marching orders after a yellow card.

Australia returned home without a medal, as they lost out 5-4 in the shootout, after being tied 2-2 at after extra time.

Three minutes after the start of extra time, Australia earned a penalty stroke, which was contested for several minutes by Spain with umpire Hamish Jamson, but Brent Livermore hit the post.

The match went to penalties and Australia's Luke Doerner failed with Australia's last penalty stroke to hand Spain third place.

The match unfortunately was often marked with unsporting behaviour, with Spain not wasting any chances to question the umpires� decisions in a display that took some of the gloss of their victory.

Pakistan, who had lost 2-9 to Netherlands in the league stage, avoided the last place as they beat Argentina 3-1 in the playoff. It is the second year in a row that Pakistan has finished fifth.

Awards
Best Player: Teun de Nooijer (NED)
Best Goalkeeper: Stephen Mowlam (AUS)
Best Young Player: Sergi Enrique (ESP)
Fair Play Award: Australia
Top Goal Scorers: Santi Freixa (ESP), Taeke Taekema (NED) - 8

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