Belgium win maiden Hockey World Cup after a thrilling shootout

Belgium win maiden Hockey World Cup after a thrilling shootout

BHUBANESWAR, - Belgium lifted the Hockey World Cup for the first as they defeated the Netherlands in the final in a shootout by 3-2 on Sunday at Bhubaneswar, India.

Belgium entered the final of the tournament as an underdog against the three-time World Champions Netherlands, however, it was a cracker of a contest as both the teams had their moments in the game.

It was the first time that Hockey World Cup ended in a 0-0 result on full time. The game was to be decided on a shootout, the Netherlands were confident as they had defeated Australia in the semi-final on set-pieces.

It was a dream start from the Dutch in the shootout, while Belgium struggled at the start. Belgium, who were playing their first-ever Hockey World Cup final , missed out on the first two attempts, while the Netherlands scored once.

However, the tables turned and the Netherlands missed their next three attempts to net the ball, whereas Belgium managed to score on two out of three.

Belgium had to score on their fifth attempt to win the World Cup, Arthur De Sloover scored on his attempt and started celebrating with team, but the Netherlands took a referral and it showed that the ball had hit striker’s foot, the decision was overturned.

Belgium was the first team to have a go in the next round of the shootout, Florent van Aubel scored the goal for his team, on the other hand, the Dutch missed out.

It was all celebration and smiles in the Belgian camp, while the Dutch could not believe how they threw away the game.

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