The Dutch hockey players have become world champions for the third time in a row. In the Spanish Terrassa, Argentina won 3-1 in the final. It is the twelfth world title in total for the Netherlands.
The Orange took the lead after fifteen minutes from a penalty corner. After weak intervention by the Argentinian keeper, Maria Verschoor hit the mark from close by.
In the second quarter, the lead was extended by hits from Frédérique Matla and Felice Albers. Agustina Gorzelany’s 3-1 fell too late to really bring the tension back.
The World Cup final was a repeat of last year’s Olympic final in Tokyo. Also then, the Netherlands drew the longest end 3-1.
Six months after the Olympic success, Alyson Annan was fired as national coach after a difference of opinion with the hockey association. Evaluation interviews with the selection showed that players suffered from an unsafe working climate.
Assistant Jamilon Mülders was then put forward as head coach. The World Cup final was the last game for the German as the main responsible, who immediately indicated that he was only available as an interim national coach. He is replaced by Paul van Ass.
Felice Albers shot the Netherlands 3-0 into safe harbor.
Felice Albers shot the Netherlands 3-0 into safe harbor. Photo: AP
The Netherlands strikes after a nervous start
The Netherlands started the final nervously and immediately had to survive two Argentine penalty corners. This was partly due to a nice intervention by Marloes Keetels on the line.
At the first penalty corner for the Netherlands, it was immediately hit. Verschoor touched the ball from close range after a penalty corner by Yibbi Jansen got stuck. The Argentine goalkeeper Belén Succi made a big mistake.
Shortly after, Matla doubled the lead by hitting hard with her backhand. Albers put the favorite after a nice breakout at 3-0, after which Gorzelany gave Argentina some hope by pushing from a penalty corner.
The Netherlands won this World Cup, which was played in Amstelveen and Spain, all games in regular time. After victories in the group stage over Germany, Chile and Ireland, Belgium (2-1) and Australia (1-0) were settled in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.