The men's team arrived as reigning world champions having collected gold in 2018 to end a 24-year wait, and won the tournament at the Birmingham 2022 World Games last month.

Eight successive victories had helped Germany cruise into the semi-finals at the Canoë Kayak Club de Saint-Omer, and there they delivered an impressive 8-2 victory against Britain.

That set up a final against Spain, who had won seven of their eight matches before thrashing Italy 7-0 in the last four.

Germany led 2-1 in the final, and a late goal from Arne Beckmann looked to have settled the final 3-2 in their favour, only for Angel Gordo Herrero to force extra time.

René Kirchhoff struck the decisive goal for Germany in extra time to clinch a 4-3 win.

Spain's silver improved on three consecutive bronze medals.

Italy took third place in the men's tournament by beating Britain 3-1.

In the women's final, Germany gained a measure of revenge from their defeat in the decider at the Birmingham 2022 World Games by beating hosts France 2-1.

Germany racked up eight wins on the spin before beating New Zealand 3-1 in the semi-finals, while France had seven victories from eight prior to a 2-1 triumph over Italy in their last four tie.

French captain Claire Moal had the hosts in front in the final, only for Hilke Vogt to level the scores.

The match went to extra time, and Nele Schmalenbach struck the decisive goal to defend Germany's title and clinch their seventh World Championships gold medal.

Italy claimed the women's bronze with a 2-0 triumph over New Zealand.