ONI Bureau: The biggest-ever sports extravaganza in Odisha – Hockey World Cup 2018, has come to an end with Belgium winning the title for their first time. They defeated Netherlands in a thriller that was decided by ‘Sudden Death’.
Both teams played attacking Hockey throughout the match, but Belgium created more chances. At the end of 4th quarter, no teams could score. As the match tied, it went to penalty shootout. After a series of misses and goals by both teams, score was tied at 2-2 in the shootout.
Belgium had the last laugh, as they scored a goal in the sudden death and lifted the trophy. Vincent Vanasch was declared ‘Player of the Match’. Arthur Van Doren of Belgium won the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.
Earlier, Australia had thrashed England 8-1 in the play-off to win the Bronze medal. For Australia, Blake Govers (8th), Tom Craig (9th, 19th, 34th), Trent Mitton (32nd), Tim Brand (34th) and Jeremy Hayward (57th, 60th) scored the goals. Barry Middleton scored the lone goal for England in the 45th minute. Tom Craig was declared ‘Player of the Match’.
The winning trophy and medallions were given to Belgium by CM Naveen Patnaik and Governor Prof. Ganeshi Lal. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan presented the medallion to the runners-up team. Master Master Sachin Tendulkar was present at the occasion. FIH President Narinder Batra praised Odisha and CM Naveen Patnaik for hosting such a successful event and also announced that Olympics Hockey qualifier matches will be held in Bhubaneswar in June 2019.
Other Awards:
Fair Play: Spain
Maximum Team Goals: Australia (29)
Fan’s Choice (WC) : Seve van Ass
Best Goalkeeper : Pirmin Blaak (Netherlands)
Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament: Alexander Hendrickx (Belgium, 7) and Blake Govers (Australia, 7)
Player of the Tournament: Arthur Van Doren (Belgium)
