Belgium Beat Netherlands on Penalties, Lift Maiden Hockey WC Title

The Red Lions had never previously finished in the top-4 in five appearances at the Hockey World Cup.

Belgium players celebrate after winning the country’s maiden world title by defeating Netherlands in the final of the 2018 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Hockey India)

There will be a new world order in the sport of hockey. Belgium were crowned world champions for the first time after edging Netherlands on penalties to win the 2018 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup at Bhubaneswar.

The Red Lions – who had never previously finished in the top-4 at hockey’s quadrennial showpiece event – nicked victory by a margin of 3-2 in a tense shootout after the teams were goalless in regulation time.

Victory continues a fine upward spiral for the Belgians, whose Olympic silver medal at the Rio Games in 2016 was their greatest achievement in the game till date.

Three-time winners Netherlands, who downed defending champions Australia in the semi-finals and hosts India in the quarters, will have to wait in their bid to join Pakistan as the most successful nation in World Cup history with four titles.

(More to follow)