Red Lion lift maiden Hockey World Cup; Dutch take silver

Belgium made history by emerging Hockey Men’s World Cup champions for the first time at the 14th edition of the mega tournament, edging out Netherlands 3-2 via shoot out in the all-European final at the jam-packed Kalinga Stadium Hockey Complex here tonight. The pulsating match went to the shoot out after play in the regulation time ended in goalless draw.

It proved to be third time lucky for Belgium, who finished runners up at both the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the EuroHockey Championships in 2017. Goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch excelled in the shoot-out, making numerous key saves to help his side became the first Belgium side in any team sport to win a world title.