Argentina lift the Women’s Hockey World Cup after beating hosts and favourites the Netherlands 3-1 in a shootout on Saturday, ending the Dutch side’s bid for a fourth straight title.
The final finished 1-1 after regulation time, with Argentina holding their nerve in the shootout to claim their third World Cup crown and first since 2010.
The Netherlands started strongly in front of their home supporters and took the lead through tournament top scorer Yibbi Jansen.
Jansen struck in the 30th minute to register her eighth goal of the tournament. The Dutch then protected their advantage as they looked to extend their remarkable run at the competition.
Argentina refused to fold, however, and found their equaliser with six minutes remaining.
Maria Granatto scored in the 54th minute to bring Argentina level and force the final into a shootout.
Argentina then produced the decisive moment when it mattered most. Their players converted their chances from the spot while the Netherlands struggled to find a response, giving Las Leonas a 3-1 shootout victory.
The triumph gives Argentina their third Women’s Hockey World Cup title. Their previous successes came in 2002 and 2010.
It also provides some revenge for their defeat by the Netherlands in the final four years ago. The Dutch had entered Saturday’s showpiece aiming to win the tournament for a fourth consecutive edition.
Instead, Argentina ended their reign and returned to the top of the women’s game after 16 years.
For the Netherlands, the defeat brings a disappointing end to their home campaign after they entered the final as favourites and tournament holders.
Belgium claimed the bronze medal earlier in the day after beating Australia 1-0 in the third-place play-off.
Charlotte Englebert scored the only goal of the match to secure Belgium’s first Women’s Hockey World Cup bronze medal since 1978.
