FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023: Third bronze for The Netherlands

The Netherlands won its third bronze medal of the FIH World Cup. PLaying before nearly one third filled iconic Kalinga Stadium, in Bhubaneswar,  the Netherlands defeated Australia 3-1 in a pulsating game of hockey, to make sure that all World Cup medals remain with Europe only.

The Netherlands had finished third in 2002 and 2010 also,

Though Australia played the last six minutes without a goalkeeper, it  did neither concede nor reduce the margin that remained unaltered. In fact, the Netherlands had found the target in the 53rd minute but the Aussies went for a video referral. The goal was disallowed.The victory margin, 3-1, remained unaltered  for the rest of the game.

It was Australia that had taken the lead.

Playing purposeful hockey, Australians built some good moves in the first quarter and from one of such moves it managed to breach the solid Dutch defence to earn a penalty corner. Jeremy Hayward, one of the highest scorers of this World Cup made no mistake from the award to put the Australians ahead.

Undeterred by the reverse, the Dutch fought back gallantly troubling and testing the Australians defence time and again. Their relentless moves bore fruit as they earned a penalty corner in the 33rd minute. This was the time for Jip Janssen, who had scored twice in the semi finals, once again proved his mettle with a superb fick.

Skipper Thiery Brinkmann was the hero of the Dutch win. His father and other family members have been watching all the games of the Netherlands from the sidelines. They were jubilant when Thiery scored second and third goals for his team.

His first came in the 35th minute following a brilliant move. His deflection from in front of the goalmouth surprised the Australian goalkeeper Andrew Charter. Five minutes later, Thierry was the striker again. It was almost a similar move that started from the flankl and ball sent across the goalmouth that got his final touch for the last goal of the bronze medal match.

The result came as a big disappointment for the Aussies  who had come with high hopes of  winning the title. But the proceedings did not go their way as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Argentina in the pool games before allowing Germany to come from behind to knock them out with a dying seconds goal in the semi-finals.