The Netherlands Claims Women’s Hockey Gold

The Netherlands clinched the women’s hockey Olympic title at Paris 2024 after a dramatic penalty shootout against China. Despite being heavy favorites, having defeated China 3-0 in the group stages, the Dutch faced a tense final, trailing until Yibbi Jansen’s late equalizer with a drag flick. The match ended 1-1, and the Dutch team dominated the shootout with goalkeeper Anne Veenendaal making three crucial saves to secure a 3-1 victory. This win marked the Netherlands’ fourth Olympic gold in the past five tournaments with their only exception being a silver medal in 2016.

Additionally, the Dutch made history as the first nation to win two hockey gold medals at the same Games, following the men’s team’s penalty shootout victory earlier in the week. China, who matched their best Olympic finish from Beijing 2008, initially took the lead with Chen Yi’s goal in the first quarter, deflecting Dan Wen’s pass. The Dutch, who had also hit the post earlier in the match through Frederique Malta’s drag flick, managed to equalize and then excelled in the penalty shootout.

In the bronze medal match, Argentina triumphed over Belgium with a 3-1 penalty shootout win after a 2-2 draw in regular time. Sofia Cairo scored the decisive penalty, while goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino saved three of Belgium’s attempts. Belgium had taken an early lead through Emma Puvrez, but Argentina’s Agustina Gorzelany and Agustina Albertarrio’s goals, followed by Justine Rasir’s equalizer, led to a thrilling finish before the shootout.

Overall, the women’s hockey tournament concluded with dramatic matches and significant achievements, showcasing the high level of competition and the thrill of Olympic sport.