The German men’s national hockey team will be the team to beat at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Four-time Olympic champions, the European team will come to Brazil to vie for their third consecutive title. If expectations are fulfilled, the current second-placed team in the world rankings will become the second country in history to win three Olympic golds in a row, repeating the feat of India, six-time champion between 1928 and 1956.

One of the stars of the German team, Jan Philipp Rabente, 26, cannot wait to get to know the Marvellous City and compete in front of Brazilian supporters.

“Our focus right now is this year’s World Cup but when I think of the Rio Games, many good things come to mind. I've never been to Rio, but from what I hear people say, with the wonderful views and passionate supporters that the city has, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be unforgettable. I can hardly wait...”, said the German player in an interview with the rio2016.com website.

Rabente played a key role in winning the German gold in London. The player, who came to the Olympics as the team member with fewest goals (only six in 77 matches), became an unlikely hero by scoring twice in the 2-1 victory over the Dutch in the Olympic final.

“It was a great feeling, a dream come true. Since I was a child, I always dreamed of playing in the Olympics and winning a medal. Scoring both goals in the final was very unexpected and cool, but the important thing was that we won the gold medal. We were working hard for this to happen”, recalled the German number 14.

Jan Philipp Rabente celebrates one of his goals in London Olympic Games gold medal match (Photo: Getty Images/Daniel Berehulak)

After the London Games, the national team led by coach Markus Weise went through a process of restructuring, with the departure of established stars and the arrival of new talents. According to Rabente, the main threats to a fifth German title are Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium and Great Britain.

“Our team underwent some changes after London, which is very natural. Great players have retired, but young talents are securing their places in the team and I see a great future for German hockey. More than the physical, technical and tactical qualities, our greatest strength is being able to play our best at the right time. We have always managed to give a little something extra in important matches”, he said.

In addition to their four Olympic gold medals, the German team also holds three silvers and three bronzes. The team has also won two World Cup titles, in 2002 and 2006, and this year they will vie for their third.