Belgium prevail in shootout to lift their first Hockey World Cup

PETALING JAYA: Florent Van Aubel emerged as the hero with two goals in a thrilling shootout to guide Belgium to their first-ever Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India.

The Red Lions fought to a goalless draw against three-time winners Holland during the 60-minute regulation time, and the winners had to be decided by a tense shootout which Belgium won 3-2.

It was the first Hockey World Cup final to end goalless and also the first to be decided on a penalty shootout.

Van Aubel was the star as he converted the first of his shootout

attempts with Victor Wegnez putting in another to guide Belgium to victory.

Belgium are the sixth country to win the Hockey World Cup.

Holland’s shootout attempts were scored by Jeroen Hertzberger and Jonas De Geus.

After the mandatory five penalties, both teams were level at 2-2 and in sudden death, Van Aubel stepped forward to convert while Hertzberger missed.

The final was an exciting one, with both teams having equal possession but were unable to make the breakthrough.

Earlier in the bronze medal playoff, former champions Australia went on a rampage by thrashing England 8-1 to take the third placing.

Hattrick hero Tom Craig was the star for the Kookaburras who had something to cheer about after failing to defend their World Cup trophy won four years ago.

He scored in the ninth, 19th and 34th minutes.

The other scorers were Jeremy Hayward (57th and 60th), Blake Govers (eighth), Trent Mitton (32nd) and Tim Brand (34th).

England’s consolation goal was scored by Barry Middleton in the 45th minute.

This was Australia’s fifth bronze medal in the history of the tournament.