NEW DELHI, March 13 Australia won the men's hockey World Cup for the first time since 1986 by defeating holders Germany 2-1 in an absorbing final on Saturday.

“Our solid defence today did the trick for us. Our coach (Ric Charlesworth) too played a big role in helping us carve out this win,” Australia captain Jamie Dwyer told reporters.

Luke Doerner scored the winner in the 59th minute through a penalty corner for Australia, who were beaten by top-ranked Germany in the previous two World Cup finals.

“As far as we are concerned, he (Doerner) was not on the ground then, and was not eligible to take the short corner with which he scored,” German captain Maximillian Muller said, referring to Doerner coming off the bench to take the penalty corner.