Australia shattered Germany's dream of registering the first hat-trick of world titles in the history of the game, beating the double defending champions 2-1 in the summit clash of the Hero Honda FIH World Cup in New Delhi on Saturday.

With this win, the Aussies have clinched their second world title.

Earlier, Netherlands beat England 4-3 to win bronze.

For Australia, Edward Ockenden scored the first goal in the sixth minute while Luke Doerner converted a penalty corner in the 59th minute to become the top-scorer of the tournament along with Dutchman Taeke Taekema with eight goals apiece.

Australia caught the German defence off-guard on more than one occasion with their attacking mindset. Australia's persistent pressure saw them draw first blood in as early as in the sixth minute of the match from a goalmouth scramble through Ockenden.

Germany got a golden opportunity to draw parity in the 20th minute but young Martin Haner's drag-flick from their first short corner went wide of the Aussie goal.

The first half solely belonged to the Aussies who impressed with their man-to-man marking making it difficult for the Germans to make inroads into their opponent's circle.

Had it not been for Germany goalkeeper Tim Jessulat the Aussies could have gone into the breather with a 2-0 lead.

A brilliant Jessulat denied Doerner the chance to become the top scorer of the tournament, making a great reflex-save six minutes before the interval.

The Germans finally restored parity when in the 47th minute Moritz Furste scored the lone goal for them.

Australia kept up the same momentum after the change of ends and got their second set piece just three minutes into the second half but Germany captain Maximillian Muller denied Doerner a certain goal with a fantastic goalline save.

The Aussies finally got the winner after Doerner converted a penalty corner in the 59th minute.

With this victory, Australian coach Ric Charlesworth has achieved a rare feat in the history of the game by becoming the only player to have won the World Cup both as a coach and a player.