The German team wins the World Cup at home for its second consecutive triumph.
2006, Monchengladbach (Sept. 6-17)
Germany hosted the tournament for the first time and won its second consecutive World Cup title after defeating Australia 4-3 in a repeat of the final from four years ago. Pakistan is the only other team to have achieved this feat, and the Netherlands is the second team to win a World Cup at home.
The host team dominated throughout without losing a game. It was taken to penalties only once, in the semifinal against Spain, who eventually won the bronze medal.
Australia lost only one game, to Spain, with Jamie Dwyer being named Player-of-the-Tournament, cementing its position in the world.
India had a promising start and matched Germany until the very end of their opening game before losing. India failed to win another game and only managed to draw against South Africa. It eventually beat South Africa to avoid last place in the 12-team competition.
Top three: Germany, Australia, Spain; India: 11th.
2010, New Delhi (Feb. 28-March 13)
The second time India hosted the World Cup was preceded by several governance and player issues, including a flash strike by the players demanding better remuneration and match fees. However, once the tournament began, the quality of competition was top-class. It served as a precursor to the Commonwealth Games, and the Indian Hockey Federation was suspended, and the tournament was overseen by an ad-hoc committee under the sports ministry.
Australia won its second title, finally avenging its two consecutive final losses to Germany 2-1. India started with a comprehensive 4-1 victory against Pakistan, its first win against them in the World Cup since 1986. However, that was the only bright spot for the team, and it finished a lowly eighth in front of the home crowds.
Top three: Australia, Germany, the Netherlands; India: Eighth.
The Australian team celebrates with the trophy after beating Germany in the World Cup final in New Delhi, 2010.