Countries that are surprisingly good at these sports

Their success defies belief.

by Zach Pontz  |  Thursday, July 13, 2017

by Zach Pontz
Thursday, July 13, 2017

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Germany's Liam Hages (L) and Spain's Pedro Gil fight for the ball during the semifinal match of the 2015 Rink Hockey World championships. Germany's Liam Hages (L) and Spain's Pedro Gil fight for the ball during the semifinal match of the 2015 Rink Hockey World championships. (Photo: GEORGES GOBET/AFP/Getty Images)

Astralis, a team from Denmark, celebrates winning a championship event earlier this year.
ergo Fekete of Hungary in action during the Men's Water Polo Group Round Group B Match between Hungary and Azerbaijan.
Kyle Lowry #7 of United States steals the ball from Bogdan Bogdanovic #7 of Serbia during the Men's Gold medal game at the Rio Olympics.
Kenley Jansen #74 of the Netherlands pitches against team Puerto Rico during Game 1 of the Championship Round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Israel men's field hockey team in action.
Germany's Liam Hages (L) and Spain's Pedro Gil fight for the ball during the semifinal match of the 2015 Rink Hockey World championships.
American volleyball players try to block an opponents shot.
The New Zealand softball team getting riled up before a match.
Argentina men's field hockey team during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
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Spain: Roller hockey

The success of Spain's men's soccer team over the last decade is well documented: Since 2008 the team has won two European Championships and a World Cup. That, however, pales in comparison to their roller hockey counterparts during the same time period.

Since 2007 the team has won four world championships and four European Championships. They currently sit at the top of the world rankings.

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