12 Aug, 2024 Hockey at Paris 2024 came to a conclusion on 9 August, with a historic double gold for Netherlands, as the men’s and women’s teams of a nation won the hockey gold in the same edition of an Olympics for the very first time! Germany men and China women added a silver medal to their trophy cabinets, while India men and Argentina women made it back-to-back medal finishes, winning the bronze medals. The competition for medals was wide open, and there were plenty of surprises and upsets as the jostling for medal finishes shook up the world rankings. Join us as we take a look at the updated rankings, following the conclusion of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. In the men’s world rankings, Olympic champions Netherlands (3168) stand at the top of the rankings. Netherlands came into the games in the top spot, but dropped to third in the pool stage following a draw against Great Britain and a loss to Germany, but four consecutive wins to finish with the title, sees them climb back into the first place. Germany (3035) once again showed their big tournament prowess, as they came into the event ranked fifth in the world, but registered big wins over the likes of Netherlands, Great Britain, Argentina and India to climb into second place in the world rankings, on the way to the silver medal. England* (2973), Belgium (2959) and India (2849) complete the top-5 places. Belgium in particular will be disappointed with their quarter final exit, coming in as defending champions. The Red Lions had a near perfect pool stage with 4 wins and a draw that had catapulted them to the top of the world rankings, but a loss to Spain in the quarterfinal saw them drop down to fourth. Germany’s ascent also sees England drop down one spot from their pre-Olympics ranking of second place, to third, while India have climbed one spot up bridging the gap to the top-4, following a second consecutive bronze medal finish at the Olympics. Australia (2714), Argentina (2643) and Spain (2470) find themselves in the sixth, seventh and eighth positions respectively. Australia began the Olympics ranked fourth in the world, and climbed into the top-3 after the first win over Argentina, but a disappointing campaign where they endured losses to Belgium, India and got knocked out by Netherlands in the quarterfinals, sees them drop down to sixth, less than 100 points clear of Argentina in seventh. Spain fell just short of the bronze medal and while their ranking remains unchanged, the gap to seventh place is less than half of what it was before Paris 2024. Ireland (2078), France (2016), South Africa (1982) and New Zealand (1958) take up the ninth to twelfth spots in the world rankings with all four teams competing at the Olympics, but failing to make the quarterfinals. Ireland’s victory over New Zealand in their final pool stage game, lifted them two spots into ninth place at the expense of France who ended their pool stage of the games with just one point following a draw against Spain. South Africa moved up one place thanks to their draw against Great Britain and win over France, while New Zealand’s failure to collect any points at the Olympics sees them drop two spots down from tenth. In the women’s world rankings, Netherlands (3641) remain infallible, adding a fourth Olympic gold medal from the last five editions of the Games! While China gave them a big scare in the gold medal match, Netherlands prevailed in the end, completing a perfect campaign with 8 wins in 8 matches. Argentina (3059) continue to remain in a distant second place, following their bronze medal performance at Paris 2024. Belgium (2852) climbed one place to third in the world after narrowly missing out on their first ever Olympic medal, with back-to-back shoot-out losses to China in the semi-final, and Argentina in the bronze medal match, but it was still an impressive campaign from the Red Panthers in just their second ever Olympic appearance! Germany (2739) exited in the quarterfinals at Paris 2024, a result which saw them drop down one spot, into fourth. Australia (2720) continue to remain in fifth place and similar to Germany, would be disappointed in their quarterfinal exit, following a stellar pool phase where they finished top of their pool with 4 wins and a draw. China’s (2567) incredible run in Paris 2024, which saw them come within a whisker of claiming the gold medal, has resulted in a two-place climb in the world rankings table as they now sit in the sixth spot, ahead of England* (2419) and Spain (2322) in seventh and eighth respectively. India (2087) and New Zealand (2024), who missed out on Olympic qualification, round out the top-10 world rankings. Among the teams that competed at the Olympics outside of top-10, are Japan (2010) in eleventh place, narrowly trailing New Zealand. United States (1898) were extremely competitive throughout the pool stage of the Olympics and registered points through a draw against Spain and a win over South Africa, and find themselves in thirteenth place in the world rankings. South Africa (1403) and France (1371) both ended Paris 2024 without scoring any points and are placed twentieth and twenty second in the world respectively. Both teams have plenty of positives to take away from the Olympics though, with this being the first appearance for France at an Olympics, while South Africa, given their very young squad, were competitive, not losing by more than one goal in any of their matches except one, which came in the form of a 4-2 loss to Argentina, where South Africa were leading 2-1 until the final ten minutes! *England competed as a part of Great Britain in the Olympic Games Paris 2024. To see the complete FIH World Rankings, please click here. The rankings calculations model that FIH introduced on 1st January 2020 moved away from the previous tournament-based rankings system to a dynamic,

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09 Aug, 2024 Paris, France – Day 14: The Netherlands women are the Olympic champions for a record extending fifth time thanks to a shoot-out win over China, a team that held the lead for the vast majority of an extraordinary gold medal match at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. The result means that the Netherlands have become the first nation in history to secure both the men’s and women’s Olympic gold medals at the same Games. Despite the reigning Olympic, World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions starting as heavy favourites, China stunned their illustrious opponents and the vast swathes of Orange clad fans when Chen Yi touched home the opening goal just six minutes into the contest. Remarkably, it was a lead that the continental champions of Asia – who were beaten 3-0 by the Netherlands in the pool phase – held until the 51st minute when tournament top scorer Yibbi Jansen finally made the breakthrough, firing home her ninth penalty corner of the competition to send a ferociously contested match into a shoot-out. The one-on-ones were dominated by the Dutch, with Pien Sanders, Maria Verschoor and Marijn Veen all scoring while goalkeeper Anne Veenendaal produced three astonishing saves to seal the gold medal in the most dramatic of circumstances. The Netherlands have now won four of the last five Olympic gold medals on offer, an astonishing record from one of the most dominant sporting teams the world has ever seen. It was a special moment for Netherlands head coach Paul Van Ass, who guided the team to glory just one day after his son, Seve, won gold as a player with the men’s team. Speaking after the match, Van Ass said: “It was a very close game. Well, we attacked, and they defended. But because they got a goal so early, they had the time to defend. And they defended very well. And we couldn’t convert a lot of penalty corners. If you (get) five, six penalty corners, and you (score) one or two, then the game is open, and they have to come, but we couldn’t do that. And that was very close. But the girls played good hockey.” For Yibbi Jansen, she has followed in the footsteps of her father by becoming a hockey Olympic gold medallist, with Ronald Jansen – who was watching in the stands – playing in goal for the Netherlands men’s teams that became champions at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. While the Netherlands will be deservedly praised for their astonishing achievement, the contribution made by China to this occasion was colossal. The continental champions of Asia went toe-to-toe with their opponents throughout, fully deserving their regular time draw against the mighty Dutch in a gripping match. Thanks to the tactical brilliance of Alyson Annan – an all-time great player who guided the Netherlands women to the Olympic title at Tokyo 2020 – China are once again a global force, with their performance in Paris matching the silver medal they won at Beijing 2008, their home Olympic Games. They have earned the respect of the world, a fact proven by the incredible reception they received from masses of Dutch supporting fans at Yves-du-Manoir. “Almost, huh? We were really close”, said Annan shortly after the match. “We fought hard. Getting to a shoot-out is pretty good. Look, six months ago, a year ago, two years ago, we wouldn’t have thought we’d be here. This is just amazing. “I wasn’t surprised (it was so close)”, continued Annan. “I thought we were capable of this. I thought that we could win. We did everything we could. They were just better in the shoot-out today.” Earlier in the day, Argentina women won the bronze medal by overcoming Belgium in a shoot-out after a pulsating match finished 2-2. For the second time in this competition, Argentina goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino produced a sparking performance in the one-on-ones, being beaten just once in four Belgian attempts with Lara Casas, teenager Zoe Diaz de Armas and Sofia Cairo scoring the vital goals. 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 a medal 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.” Further information and statistics about the match can be found here.   Notable figures attending the Olympic hockey on the final day of action at Yves-du-Manoir were Princess Elisabeth of Belgium and Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof.   The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 took place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions featured 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 1-1 China (3-1 after shoot-out) Final Standings Women Gold: The Netherlands Silver: China 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

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