Argentina ended the Netherlands’ three-tournament reign as world champions, beating the hosts 3-1 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time to win the women’s Hockey World Cup for the third time .
The title was Argentina’s first in 16 years and came against a Dutch side that had won the previous three editions of the tournament. The two teams were meeting in a World Cup final for the fifth time.
The opening half was closely contested, with both sides sharing possession and creating few clear opportunities. Argentina goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino produced a crucial early save, rushing off her line to deny Pien Dicke after the Dutch forward had embarked on a solo run.
The Netherlands gradually gained control and were rewarded 51 seconds before half-time when they earned their first penalty corner. Yibbi Jansen made no mistake, firing into the left side of the goal to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.
Argentina responded with greater attacking intent after the interval and earned several penalty corners in the third quarter, but could not find a way past the Dutch defence.
Their persistence finally paid off six minutes from full time. Another penalty corner created the opening, and María Granatto reacted quickest to the rebound to fire Argentina level at 1-1.
Neither side could find a decisive goal in the closing stages, forcing the final into a shootout. Argentina held their nerve to prevail 3-1 and reclaim the world title.
Cosentino was central to the triumph and was named Player of the Match after another outstanding performance in goal.
“We really deserve it. We were a really good team throughout the tournament, and I’m really proud of the girls who were fighting with me,” Cosentino said after the final.
The victory marked Argentina’s third World Cup title, following their triumphs in 2002 and 2010.
Belgium end 48-year wait for World Cup medal:
Earlier, Belgium claimed the bronze medal with a gritty 1-0 victory over Australia, ending a 48-year wait to return to the women’s World Cup podium.
Both teams showed attacking intent from the start, but clear chances were limited in the opening quarter. Australia came closest when Steph Kershaw broke through on goal, only to pull her shot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.
Belgium broke the deadlock in the 20th minute with their first penalty corner of the match. Charlotte Englebert produced a powerful strike into the bottom-right corner to give the Red Panthers a 1-0 lead.
Australia pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half and increased the pressure in the final quarter. The Hockeyroos removed their goalkeeper with just over four minutes remaining in an attempt to force an equaliser, but Belgium’s defence held firm.
The Red Panthers secured the victory and their first World Cup medal since 1978.
Englebert, who scored the decisive goal, was named Belgium’s Player of the Match.
“We made it not an option to lose today. We played until the last second,” Englebert said. “I’m really, really proud of the team.”
(Inputs from FIH)
