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

07 Aug, 2024 The Netherlands women 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. In front of an enthusiastic sell-out crowd, the reigning Olympic, World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions were in irresistible form against Las Leonas, dominating their illustrious opponents with goals from Luna Fokke, Laura Nunnink and Yibbi Jansen. Fokke’s second quarter opener was a goal of outrageous quality, with Dutch defender Renee van Laarhoven picking out her team-mate with an astonishing 60m pass down the right, releasing the young attacker who entered the circle before firing home on her backhand. Fokke turned supplier ahead of half time, splitting open the Argentine defence with a perfectly placed pass onto the stick of Laura Nunnink, who guided the ball between the legs of Leonas shot-stopper Cristina Consento. Competition top scorer Yibbi Jansen putting the result beyond all doubt shortly after half time, rattling home her eighth goal of the tournament with a low drag-flick. The result means that the possibility of the Netherlands winning both hockey gold medals remains very much on, after the men qualified for their final on Tuesday (6 August). For Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Argentina, the result means that they will play for bronze on Friday (9 August). “If you saw me when we scored the goals, I think that kind of describes how I feel”, said Netherlands goalkeeper Anne Veenendaal, who passionately celebrated all three of the goals scored by her team. “I guess that’s all the energy that’s out and I’m just so proud of the team. The two goals (from Fokke and Nunnink) were insane.” On the manner of the victory over Argentina, a team that have often proved a thorn in the side for the Dutch, Veenendaal said: “Yeah, you know, I think we haven’t played that well before now, but we wanted to put that right today. That resulted in three major goals. I’m definitely happy with how we played, I think we scored we could have scored even more.” 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

06 Aug, 2024 Paris, France – Day 11: The men’s hockey gold medal match at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be an all-European encounter between the Netherlands and Germany, two of the sport’s biggest rivals. The Netherlands men – reached the Olympic gold medal match for the first time in 12 years, overpowering Spain 4-0 in front of another capacity crowd at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. The reigning European champions are hoping to become Olympic champions for the first time since Sydney 2000. In the spine-tingling evening match, reigning world champions Germany overcame India in dramatic style, winning 3-2 to put them on a collision course with the Oranje. Germany have won the men’s Olympic gold medal on four occasions, their last being at London 2012 where they defeated the Dutch in the final. The timings of the semi-finals can be found below, with a complete list of available fixtures and timings available here. Men’s medal matches – Thursday 8 August 2024 (all times CEST) 14:00 – Bronze: India vs Spain 19:00 – Gold: Germany vs Netherlands More information on today’s matches can be found below, with additional details available here. Netherlands 4-0 Spain Goals in each quarter from Jip Janssen, Thierry Brinkman, Thijs van Dam and Duco Telgenkamp thrilled the masses of orange-clad fans at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium, powering the team to a 4-0 victory over Spain. The win keeps alive hopes of a golden Dutch double at Yves-du-Manoir, with the Oranje women set to play their own semi-final match against Argentina on Wednesday (7 August). Whilst the women are reigning Olympic champions, the Netherlands men are searching for their first gold medal in 24 years. The teams that won gold at Sydney 2000 and Atlanta 1996 both featured current men’s head coach Jeroen Delmee and Jacques Brinkman, father of current Netherlands captain Thierry Brinkman. “This is a really special moment for us, but we are not there yet”, said Netherlands goal-scorer Jip Janssen, indicating that his team will not be satisfied with silver. “We want the gold medal, and we’re going to do everything in our power to do so. Whoever we play in the final, it will most definitely be a very tough job. But as I said, we’re going to do everything in our power to achieve it.” While it was a painful defeat, Spain still have a chance to secure a place on the podium in Thursday’s bronze medal game. The match marked a personal milestone for Spain’s Alejandro Alonso, who made his 100th international appearance. Germany 3-2 India  In the spine-tingling evening match, reigning world champions Germany overcame India in dramatic style, winning 3-2 to put them on a collision course with the Oranje. India took a deserved lead through Harmanpreet Singh’s deflected penalty corner, but Germany turned the match on its head with goals from Gonzalo Peillat’s penalty corner and a penalty stroke from Christopher Rühr. India restored parity six minutes into the third quarter through Sukhjeet Singh’s guided penalty corner deflection, but Marco Miltkau netted with six minutes remaining to keep Germany’s hopes of a fifth Olympic gold medal alive and kicking. It was a remarkable contest which, despite the high stakes and intensity, did not see a single disciplinary card awarded to either team. While their 44-year wait for a ninth Olympic gold medal goes on, India have an opportunity to win a second successive Olympic bronze when they face Spain on Thursday. “I feel very proud to have made the final, but we cannot be proud with our performance, to be honest”, said Germany’s Justus Weigand. “It was a fight until the end and we are so happy.” Looking ahead to a classic European encounter with the Netherlands, Weigand said: “Yeah, it’s very classic. I think everybody dreams about this match-up and we are looking forward to the game. Let’s see how it ends.” Further information and statistics on all of today’s matches can be found here.   Notable figures attending the Olympic hockey at Yves-du-Manoir on Day 11 included FIFA President Gianni Infantino as well as Indian billionaire industrialists Sajjan and Parth Jindal. Wednesday 7 August is women’s semi-finals day at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium, with the Netherlands set to meet Argentina at 14:00 CEST before Belgium face China at 19:00. 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 medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey. Olympic Games Paris 2024 – Hockey 6 August 2024 – Day 11 Results – Men’s Semi-Finals Netherlands 4-0 Spain Germany 3-2 India Men’s medal matches – Thursday 8 August 2024 (all times CEST) 14:00 – Bronze: India vs Spain 19:00 – Gold: Germany vs Netherlands Final Standings Men Gold: Silver: Bronze: 4: 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