Belgium edge out Netherlands to lift hockey World Cup title

Goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch helped Belgium to their maiden field hockey World Cup title after edging out the Netherlands 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out that went to sudden death this week. Belgium held their nerve until the end of four quarters — with the score level at 0-0 — and then again through the penalty shootout as each team converted two of their five shots in the east Indian city of Bhubaneswar. In sudden death, Belgium’s Florent van Aubel — shooting first — scored what turned out to be the winner, with the Dutch missing their chance to save the match at the packed stadium in the state of Odisha. However, world No 3 Belgium narrowly missed out on securing victory earlier in the shootout after Arthur de Sloover scored their fifth and final penalty shot — only to have it disallowed. Replays — prompted by a Dutch request — suggested the ball had hit the foot of de Sloover before he found the back of the net. “We have such a good team. I said it: we are going to win it. Always tough against the Netherlands, but it is a beautiful end for us,” a delighted Vanasch said after the win.