09 Aug, 2024 Paris, France – Day 14: Argentina women have won the bronze medal at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, overcoming Belgium in a shoot-out after a pulsating match finished with the scores locked at 2-2. For the second time in this competition, Argentina goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino sparkled in the one-on-ones, beaten just once in four Belgian attempts with Lara Casas, teenager Zoe Diaz de Armas and Sofia Cairo scoring the vital goals. Remarkably, Cosentino only conceded one goal in the two shoot-outs here in Paris, keeping a clean sheet during Argentina’s quarter-final triumph over Germany on Monday (5 August). The result gave Las Leonas their sixth Olympic medal in their last seven appearances, having claimed silver at Sydney 2000, London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 as well as additional bronze medals at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. It was a cruel end to an exceptional tournament for Belgium, who miss out on the podium by finishing fourth. “I am really happy because I think this team deserves everything”, said Argentina’s Agustina Albertarrio after the match. “We played eight games and we lost only once, against the best team, which is the Netherlands. I am really happy because this team gives everything, but I also want to congratulate Belgium because they have an amazing team. They have a lot of fight, it was really hard (playing against them). Now we want to celebrate, enjoy this moment with our families and the fans, who are amazing.” The thousands of Argentine and Belgian fans packed into the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium were treated to an entertaining penultimate match of the competition. With Princess Elisabeth of Belgium watching on, Emma Puvrez put the Red Panthers ahead when Argentina failed to effectively clear a penalty corner, slapping home for a first quarter lead. Argentina hit back with second quarter goals from the two Agustinas, Gorzelany roofing a penalty corner before Albertarrio’s open play tap-in made the score 2-1. However, Belgium restored parity less than a minute later, with Justine Rasir netting from close range. Both goalkeepers made superb saves in the latter stages of the match, with Belgium’s Aisling D’Hooghe producing two stunning penalty corner blocks in the final seconds to force the shoot-out. However, it was to be Argentina’s day, with Cosentino once again grabbing the headlines. Further information and statistics about the match can be found here.   The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey. Olympic Games Paris 2024 – Hockey 9 August 2024 – Day 14 Women’s medal matches – Friday 9 August 2024 (all times CEST) 14:00 – Bronze: Argentina 2-2 Belgium (3-1 after shoot-out) 20:00 – Gold: Netherlands vs China Final Standings Women Gold: Silver: Bronze: Argentina 4: Belgium 5: Australia 6: Germany 7: Spain 8: Great Britain 9: USA 10: Japan 11: South Africa 12: France Men Gold: The Netherlands Silver: Germany Bronze: India 4: Spain 5: Belgium 6: Australia 7: Great Britain 8: Argentina 9: South Africa 10: Ireland 11: France 12: New Zealand Pool standings overviews Women: click here.  Men: click here. Source: FIH.hockey

08 Aug, 2024 Paris, France – Day 13: A sensational goalkeeping performance from Pirmin Blaak helped the Netherlands men become Olympic champions for the first time since Sydney 2000, inspiring a dramatic shoot-out victory over Germany in front of a sell-out crowd at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. After a tension-filled thriller between the two great rivals of European hockey finished locked at 1-1, 36-year-old Blaak – the current FIH Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year – produced three breath-taking saves as the Oranje took a 3-1 win, securing their first men’s Olympic gold medal in 24 years. The result means that the Netherlands remain on course for a Dutch double in the Olympic hockey competition at Paris 2024, with the women competing in their own gold medal match, against China, on Friday (9 August). The Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium was a cauldron of noise from start to finish, with both teams being well represented by their passion-fuelled fans. There was little between the two teams for much of the match, with clear-cut scoring chances few and far between. However, that all changed one minute into a chaotic fourth and final quarter, with Netherlands captain Thierry Brinkman – who today joined his father Jacques Brinkman as a Olympic hockey gold medallist – touching home from close range after superb build-up play from Koen Bijen. World champions Germany would have fallen even further behind were it not for a stunning goal-line clearance from Gonzalo Peillat, who showed lightning quick reactions to deny Bijan’s clever chip. Just one minute after Peillat’s remarkable intervention, Thies Prinz smashed home the equaliser from a penalty corner, restoring parity with ten minutes of the match remaining. While Germany arguably had the better of the final minutes, the shoot-out was all about Blaak. Despite both Jonas de Geus and Joep de Mol being superbly denied by Germany goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg, Blaak looked almost untouchable in the one-on-ones, brilliantly saving efforts from Niklas Wellen, Hannes Müller and Thies Prinz. Although Justus Weigand did eventually beat him, goals from Brinkman and Thijs van Dam left the Netherlands, the reigning European champions, needing just one goal to secure a third Olympic title after winning gold at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. The responsibility fell on the shoulders of 22-year-old Duco Telgenkamp, with the rising star of Dutch hockey making no mistake with a wonderful backhand finish to spark wild celebrations from the Dutchmen on the field and the thousands of Oranje fans in the stadium. It was a heartbreaking moment for Germany, a side that has performed brilliantly at these Olympic Games. “The Olympics is, for me, the only way to really write sports history”, said Netherlands coach Jeroen Delmee, a key player in the Oranje teams that won Olympic gold at Atlanta and Sydney. “This is such a big event. Fighting in eight games, every game, to reach the final, and then winning the final. It’s not even a medal, but for me it is the history you write as a team. And we did it like this. It’s unbelievable.” When asked what winning the men’s hockey Olympic gold medal will mean for people back home in the Netherlands, Delmee said:“This will be an enormous boost. We know we have an outstanding women’s team that is winning every tournament – year in, year out. It’s exceptional (the way) they perform, but it was more or less about time that also the men started joining the women again, and putting Dutch hockey on the map. “I think we succeeded. The way we play, what we’ve been doing the last three years, the whole project we’ve been running. People start celebrating again, they love the way we play, the energy we put in there, the effort. That’s maybe even more important.” Earlier in the day, India men fought back from a goal down to overcome a monumental challenge from Spain, with team captain Harmanpreet Singh scoring twice to help India to their second successive Olympic bronze medal on a scorching afternoon at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. It was a fairytale ending to the playing career of India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who made numerous crucial blocks against the Red Sticks to win an Olympic medal in his final appearance for his country. Sreejesh – a two-time FIH Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year who collected 336 caps – cut an emotional figure at the end of the contest as players and staff celebrated and honoured a player who represented India with such distinction over an 18-year international career. “I feel great”, said India captain Harmanpreet. “We create history again, back-to-back (bronze medals). It’s a big day for India and a big day for hockey. We were here for gold, but unfortunately, that dream was shattered.” Commenting on the match, Harmanpreet – whose 10-goal haul saw him finish at the competition’s highest scorer – was incredibly proud about how his team performed today. “Today’s game was very good. We played as a team. Everyone delivered, especially our legend Sreejesh. It was his last game. It’s a memorable game for him, and a big achievement as a team. He gave everything to hockey in India, but now it’s his time. He is not going anywhere. He is here (pointing to his heart).” Further information and statistics about the matches can be found here.   Notable figures attending the Olympic hockey at Yves-du-Manoir on Day 12 included Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, and Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries. On Friday 9 August, the women’s gold, silver and bronze medallists will all be decided at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium, with Argentina playing Belgium in the bronze medal match at 14:00 CEST before the Netherlands and China fight for gold at 20:00. A preview for these matches can be found here. The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and

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08 Aug, 2024 The fourteenth and final day of a magnificent hockey competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 takes place on Friday (9 August), where the winners of the gold, silver and bronze medals will all be revealed at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. At 14:00 CEST, Argentina will be aiming to finish their competition on a high when they take on Belgium in the bronze medal match. The game that will decide who takes home the gold medal takes place at 20:00, as hot favourites the Netherlands aim to successfully defend the Olympic title they won at Tokyo 2020 against China. We take a quick look at the two medal matches in the women’s competition. Argentina v Belgium – 14:00 CEST Argentina have the chance to win a sixth Olympic medal in the last seven Olympics, with their only failure to secure a place on the podium coming at Rio 2016, where they finished seventh. Although they have never won gold, their haul of three silvers and two bronzes since Sydney 2000 provides a reminder on just how consistent Las Leonas are at this level.  Standing in Argentina’s way are Belgium, a team on the verge of making history. The Red Panthers have only appeared on the Olympic stage once before Paris 2024, finishing 11th at London 2012. While already their greatest Olympic achievement, a fourth place finish would not satisfy a hugely ambitious group of players who hold themselves to the highest standards. Coach comments Fernando Ferrara (ARG), after losing their semi-final against the Netherlands: “Now we have to rest, and then analyse whichever opponent it is. But mostly, try to let this match go as soon as possible. We have to regret it today but from tomorrow have our (heads) on the next match, recovering and focusing on how to approach it.” Raoul Ehren (BEL), after losing their semi-final against China: “Tonight it will be silent on the bus and there will be some tears, I think. Tomorrow the tears will dry and we will recover, and we will make a plan to beat Argentina. And I’m sure that we will go for that on Friday afternoon. So we will be ready.” Netherlands v China – 20:00 CEST The gold medal game between the Netherlands and China is a replay of the Beijing 2008 final, a match which the Oranje won 2-0. The Netherlands – the reigning Olympic, World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions – proved simply too strong for semi-final opponents Argentina, claiming a 3-0 triumph over their fierce rivals to reach the Olympic final for the sixth successive Games. A win against China on Friday would be their fifth Olympic title overall, and a fourth gold medal in the last five Olympic Games. They have been in imperious form, and in competition top scorer Yibbi Yansen they have a player who has registered eight goals in seven matches, all from penalty corners. While it is clear that the Netherlands will take some stopping here in Paris, China have proven time and time again that they can upset the odds. Despite finishing fourth in Pool A, China claimed a stunning quarter-final victory over Pool B winners Australia before showing huge character to defeat semi-final opponents Belgium in a dramatic shoot-out. They also have a tactical mastermind on their side in the shape of head coach Alyson Annan, who guided the Netherlands to Olympic gold in Tokyo. Annan will have taken plenty of notes from China’s 3-0 pool defeat at the hands of the Oranje, ensuring that her team will be more than ready for the challenge facing them. Player perspectives Laura Nunnink (NED), before learning who they would face in the final: “We’re going to watch the game (the other semi-final) and see who it’s going to be. We have beaten them both before (in this tournament) but it’s a different game. I’m just really excited to be in the final.” Ou Zixia (CHN): “Our aim is definitely to go for gold. We must work hard. We have secured a medal but we are gunning for gold. I know that our opponents are extremely strong but that won’t stop us from dreaming of gold.” Medal Matches – Friday 9 August 2024 (all times CEST) 14:00: Bronze medal match 20:00: Gold medal match The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey. #Hockey #Paris2024 Source: FIH.hockey

08 Aug, 2024 Paris, France – Day 13: India men fought back from a goal down to overcome a monumental challenge from Spain, with team captain Harmanpreet Singh scoring twice to help India to their second successive Olympic bronze medal on a scorching afternoon at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. It was a fairytale ending to the playing career of India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who made numerous crucial blocks against the Red Sticks to win an Olympic medal in his final appearance for his country. Sreejesh – a two-time FIH Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year, winning over 330 caps – cut an emotional figure at the end of the contest as players and staff celebrated and honoured a player who represented India with such distinction over an 18-year international career. India’s bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 was their first Olympic podium finish since 1980. However, while their wait for another was far shorter, they certainly did not have it all their own way in a match filled with tension. Following a cagey first quarter, the game burst into life when Spain’s Marc Miralles launched a penalty stroke high into Sreejesh’s goal following a clumsy India tackle in the circle. The Red Sticks almost doubled their advantage when Borja Lacalle rattled the frame of goal before India hit back on the stroke of half time, with Harmanpreet slamming a ferocious penalty corner against the Spanish backboard. Harmanpreet – who also netted in India’s 5-4 bronze medal win over Germany at Tokyo 2020 – put his side ahead three minutes after the break with another wonderful penalty corner drag-flick, this time choosing deception over power to find the bottom left corner. It was Harmanpreet’s tenth goal of the competition, having scored two thirds of India’s fifteen goals here at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Spain rallied hard in the dying stages of the match, putting the Indian goal under intense pressure. However, Sreejesh produced some superb saves to seal a wonderful win for India, bringing the curtain down on his career in glorious style. “I feel great”, said India captain Harmanpreet. “We create history again, back-to-back (bronze medals). It’s a big day for India and a big day for hockey. We were here for gold, but unfortunately, that dream was shattered.” Commenting on the match, Harmanpreet was incredibly proud about how his team performed today. “Today’s game was very good. We played as a team. Everyone delivered, especially our legend Sreejesh. It was his last game. It’s a memorable game for him, and a big achievement as a team. He gave everything to hockey in India, but now it’s his time. He is not going anywhere. He is here (pointing to his heart).” The result means that India men have now won 13 medals in Olympic hockey, with eight golds, one silver and four bronze. For Spain, missing out on the bronze medal is a painful way to end a superb campaign here in Paris. However, having achieved their best Olympic finish since Beijing 2008, they can depart with their heads held high. Further information and statistics about the match can be found here.   The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey. Olympic Games Paris 2024 – Hockey 8 August 2024 – Day 13 Men’s medal matches – Thursday 8 August 2024 (all times CEST) Result 14:00: India 2-1 Spain 19:00: Germany v Netherlands   Women’s medal matches – Friday 9 August 2024 (all times CEST) 14:00 – Bronze: Argentina vs Belgium 20:00 – Gold: Netherlands vs China Final Standings Men Gold: Silver: Bronze: India 4: Spain 5: Belgium 6: Australia 7: Great Britain 8: Argentina 9: South Africa 10: Ireland 11: France 12: New Zealand Women Gold: Silver: Bronze: 4: 5: Australia 6: Germany 7: Spain 8: Great Britain 9: USA 10: Japan 11: South Africa 12: France Pool standings overviews Men: click here. Women: click here. Source: FIH.hockey

07 Aug, 2024 A sensational men’s hockey competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will reach its climax on Thursday, with four incredible teams fighting it out for the three medals on offer in front of deafening capacity crowds at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. At 14:00 CEST, India and Spain will battle for bronze, with both proud hockey nations determined to end their Olympics on a high after losing their respective semi-final matches. The main event takes place at 19:00, a classic encounter between historic European rivals Germany and the Netherlands, with Die Honamas searching for a fifth Olympic title and the Oranje aiming to land gold for the first time since winning back-to-back titles at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. We take a quick look at the two medal matches. India vs Spain – 14:00 CEST While defeat to Germany means that India’s 44-year wait for a ninth Olympic gold medal goes on, they will be determined to finish an otherwise outstanding Olympic competition on a positive note. Despite that heart-breaking result, India’s excellent performances at Paris 2024 ensures they can leave with their heads held high, ideally with bronze medals hanging around their necks. After winning bronze at Tokyo 2020, they have the chance to repeat the trick here at the Yves-du-Manoir stadium. Standing in their way are Spain, a side looking for a first Olympic medal since winning silver at Beijing 2008. While their heavy 4-0 semi-final loss against the Netherlands will have been difficult to take, head coach Max Caldas – who masterminded their sensational quarter-final victory over reigning champions Belgium – will ensure that his team will be ready for the challenge that awaits them. Player perspectives Harmanpreet Singh (IND): “Of course, (all) medals are medals. This is our last chance (of this Olympic Games) and last hope to get a medal. But Spain are good. If they are qualified for the semis, it means they are good, and they beat Belgium. So we are not going to take the match (lightly) and we try to give everything we have and try to get that bronze medal.” Marc Miralles (ESP), speaking before India’s semi-final defeat to Germany: “I don’t know who we’re going to play, but we’re going to do what we always do. We’re going to try to find their weaknesses and try to win the game.” Germany vs Netherlands – 19:00 CEST Germany versus the Netherlands is a fixture with a big history. Their fierce European rivalry has regularly been played out at world level events, with the two meeting in the Olympic gold medal match at London 2012. After thrashing Great Britain 9-2 in the semi-final, the Dutch started that contest as heavy favourites. However, Germany were always going to have their say, with Jan-Philipp Rabante scoring both the goals in 2-0 win as Die Honamas claimed their fourth Olympic gold medal. Following their battling win over India, you certainly would not bet against the current world champions adding a fifth title here at Paris 2024. While European champions the Netherlands suffered a 1-0 loss to Germany in the pool phase, their superb 4-0 thrashing of Spain in the semi-finals ensures that they enter the gold medal match on a high. The Oranje were exceptional against the Spaniards, with team captain Thierry Brinkman scoring one of the best goals of the tournament with a stunning first-time strike into the top corner. With the women also reaching the gold medal match, the dream of a Dutch double at Yves-du-Manoir could become reality, bringing the men’s team’s 24-year wait for Olympic gold to an end. The teams that won gold at Sydney 2000 and Atlanta 1996 both featured current men’s head coach Jeroen Delmee and head coach and Jacques Brinkman, father of Thierry. Player perspectives  Jean-Paul Danneberg (GER): “We know from the past that the Dutch have extremely big problems to score against us. All (the) games were very close in the past. And we know where our qualities are, and our qualities are definitely in defence. The Dutch players need a very good day to score four goals against us. So I think we have a mountain, and they will have big problems to climb us.” Thierry Brinkman (NED): “In this tournament, when you can win a quarter-final against Australia and a semifinal at the Olympics, we know exactly what we’re doing. We have been working for many years with each other now. We know exactly what to do. The final will be a close game for sure. But we know how to finish games.” Medal Matches – Thursday 8 August 2024 (all times CEST) 14:00: Bronze medal match 19:00: Gold medal match The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey. #Hockey #Paris2024 Source: FIH.hockey