[PICTURES] Belgium defeat Netherlands 3-2 to win Hockey World Cup 2018

[JaDed]

We were very good till late 70s/early 80s but then the decline set in. Pakistan were very good till early/mid 90s before the Western teams started dominating the podium places. Pakistan is the most successful team in World Cups while we are the most successful team in Olympics. These are the 2 most prestigious events in the world of hockey and till now no other team has taken the record from us.

Astro turf is a.major reason, check the age when many Indian young players first get to play on such a turf, it's better now but we will never compete with these Western teams till we have many such hockey fields.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Astro turf is a.major reason, check the age when many Indian young players first get to play on such a turf, it's better now but we will never compete with these Western teams till we have many such hockey fields.

I was an ardent supporter of this theory a while back. But since then I have been forced to revise my opinion.

Astro turf was introduced in the 1970s. But Pakistani hockey team enjoyed a glorious run from 1978 to mid 90s, all of which were played on artificial surface. Pakistan won 3 WCs, 1 Olympic Gold and 3 Champions Trophy playing on this surface which was as foreign to them as it was for us. Now Pakistan wasn't economically much better than us, they were indeed better but not by much and they had a paucity of astro turfs just like us. Then how is it that they were able to compete with the Western teams but not us? Their decline in late 90s had nothing to do with the playing surface but the decadence of their hockey administration and failure to adapt to modern times. The Dutch took a giant leap forward in the 90s in terms of fitness, tactics, strategy, skills, philosophy etc and Pakistan missed the bus. We missed our bus 10-15 years earlier !!!!

I think this astro turf excuse is a lazy proposition put forth by some of our former players and officials to justify our plunge in status. Rather than acknowledging the increasing competition, our outdated game style, corruption/nepotism in the organization, disdain for fitness/skill improvement etc, this astro turf excuse was a convenient cop out mechanism. Assuming we couldn't compete with Netherlands or Australia (because their kids get exposed to synthetic turfs at a young age), what explains our pathetic record against Pakistan in those 20 odd years? If Pakistanis could adapt, what was stopping us? I actually think introduction of astro turf was the best thing that happened to hockey and many Indian legends including Balbir Singh (Senior) say the same. However that is a topic for another day.

We may compete or not compete with Western nations but astro turf can't be a reason. We have a tremendous human resources advantage over them because of our population. We have an expanding middle class larger than US population, growing awareness of sports, more money, more incentives/rewards (Sindhu vs Marin comparison in terms of brand value), everything better than ever before. Most importantly we can have our best athletes in hockey, Europeans/Australians generally lose their most gifted athletes to football, rugby, tennis, athletics, swimming, boxing etc which are way more lucrative. If we are unable to compete with the reduced/mediocre competition of the Western teams we have other reasons to blame.

 

[JaDed]

I was an ardent supporter of this theory a while back. But since then I have been forced to revise my opinion.

Astro turf was introduced in the 1970s. But Pakistani hockey team enjoyed a glorious run from 1978 to mid 90s, all of which were played on artificial surface. Pakistan won 3 WCs, 1 Olympic Gold and 3 Champions Trophy playing on this surface which was as foreign to them as it was for us. Now Pakistan wasn't economically much better than us, they were indeed better but not by much and they had a paucity of astro turfs just like us. Then how is it that they were able to compete with the Western teams but not us? Their decline in late 90s had nothing to do with the playing surface but the decadence of their hockey administration and failure to adapt to modern times. The Dutch took a giant leap forward in the 90s in terms of fitness, tactics, strategy, skills, philosophy etc and Pakistan missed the bus. We missed our bus 10-15 years earlier !!!!

I think this astro turf excuse is a lazy proposition put forth by some of our former players and officials to justify our plunge in status. Rather than acknowledging the increasing competition, our outdated game style, corruption/nepotism in the organization, disdain for fitness/skill improvement etc, this astro turf excuse was a convenient cop out mechanism. Assuming we couldn't compete with Netherlands or Australia (because their kids get exposed to synthetic turfs at a young age), what explains our pathetic record against Pakistan in those 20 odd years? If Pakistanis could adapt, what was stopping us? I actually think introduction of astro turf was the best thing that happened to hockey and many Indian legends including Balbir Singh (Senior) say the same. However that is a topic for another day.

We may compete or not compete with Western nations but astro turf can't be a reason. We have a tremendous human resources advantage over them because of our population. We have an expanding middle class larger than US population, growing awareness of sports, more money, more incentives/rewards (Sindhu vs Marin comparison in terms of brand value), everything better than ever before. Most importantly we can have our best athletes in hockey, Europeans/Australians generally lose their most gifted athletes to football, rugby, tennis, athletics, swimming, boxing etc which are way more lucrative. If we are unable to compete with the reduced/mediocre competition of the Western teams we have other reasons to blame.

Fair points ,but I do feel sports culture present in European nation's is diff to India we don't prioritize sports the way they do, we believe in finished product and sponsors come in only then not initially, only.individuals create difference Sachin and Star in 90s and Gopichand for badminton, Mary Kom boxing.

Haryana is the only state that has taken sports seriously, and henceproduced results.
(Fun fact Tamil was second language of Haryanatill 2005 jus to annoy Punjabis)

 

[Swashbuckler]

Fair points ,but I do feel sports culture present in European nation's is diff to India we don't prioritize sports the way they do, we believe in finished product and sponsors come in only then not initially, only.individuals create difference Sachin and Star in 90s and Gopichand for badminton, Mary Kom boxing.

Haryana is the only state that has taken sports seriously, and henceproduced results.
(Fun fact Tamil was second language of Haryanatill 2005 jus to annoy Punjabis)

I feel there is a changing sports culture in India. I am very optimistic about our future in many sports and that includes hockey. We need a right policy and we need to be smart about allocating our resources, pick 10-15 disciplines (South Korea model) and try to maximize our chances in them. I honestly don't see us setting the world on fire in swimming, rugby, football, MMA , basketball, volleyball etc for a very long time, so such sports can't take precedence over those where we can be contenders with the right approach. What you say regarding sponsors getting involved initially will come if we can formulate a policy to implement an achievable vision.

Haryana has done very well and many other states (including TN) are improving at good pace. There has to be a start somewhere and Haryana is leading the way. Didn't know about Haryana's 2nd language LOL, nice tidbit.

Are you originally from Punjab or Haryana, or somewhere else? And how did you land in Chennai?

 

[Swashbuckler]

Meanwhile Netherlands beat Canada 5-0 and are India's QF opponent.

QF line up:

Argentina vs England (good match but the South Americans will start as favourites)
Belgium vs Germany (blockbuster)
Australia vs France (record margin incoming? poor France LOL)
India vs Netherlands (blockbuster)

Our campaign may end in the QF stage, can't believe our 2 biggest thorns (NED, AUS) are standing in our way to the summit clash. I would pick India as favourites against each of the 5 other teams left in the competition, damn.

 

[JaDed]

I feel there is a changing sports culture in India. I am very optimistic about our future in many sports and that includes hockey. We need a right policy and we need to be smart about allocating our resources, pick 10-15 disciplines (South Korea model) and try to maximize our chances in them. I honestly don't see us setting the world on fire in swimming, rugby, football, MMA , basketball, volleyball etc for a very long time, so such sports can't take precedence over those where we can be contenders with the right approach. What you say regarding sponsors getting involved initially will come if we can formulate a policy to implement an achievable vision.

Haryana has done very well and many other states (including TN) are improving at good pace. There has to be a start somewhere and Haryana is leading the way. Didn't know about Haryana's 2nd language LOL, nice tidbit.

Are you originally from Punjab or Haryana, or somewhere else? And how did you land in Chennai?

I'm hopefull as well, sports is taken seriously now.in schools and colleges, the amount of students that gave up basketball after high school was terrible, things are changing, one can blame corporate culture but they sponsor, and yes having the WC in India should also help.promote hockey, Badminton and Wrestling are on right track, lawn Tennis sadly I believe maybe our body is not built for the same inspite of Ramakrishnan ,Paes and Amritraj ,feel they are more of an anomaly,we are.more suited to Badminton and Table tennis, both are only my personal opinion.

I'm a West-Delhi(refugee family) Punjabi that grew up in Chennai. So I'm close to both the cultures.

 

[the Great Khan]

I do remember sadly the great days of subcontinental hockey, with Pakistan slightly ahead of India but both contenders for championship.

Yes I remember those days, the 1984 olympics and the the team of the early and then late 90's. We even hosted the world cup in 1990 and I remember watching the match on tv where we lost to the Ned. Lahore at the time was the biggest hockey stadium in the world and I think it still might be but I could be wrong.

So we do have teh infrastructure but the baord has been eaten by corrupt termites. Trust me if we look to what you guys have done and replicate some of it we will be back within five to seven years. And it would be good to see both india and pakistan go at each other on equal terms in hockey..Hoceky if looked after in Pakistan is a big sport and we can really push it...I'm hoping with IK now in charge they will look to really push it forward..

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Yes I remember those days, the 1984 olympics and the the team of the early and then late 90's. We even hosted the world cup in 1990 and I remember watching the match on tv where we lost to the Ned. Lahore at the time was the biggest hockey stadium in the world and I think it still might be but I could be wrong.

So we do have teh infrastructure but the baord has been eaten by corrupt termites. Trust me if we look to what you guys have done and replicate some of it we will be back within five to seven years. And it would be good to see both india and pakistan go at each other on equal terms in hockey..Hoceky if looked after in Pakistan is a big sport and we can really push it...I'm hoping with IK now in charge they will look to really push it forward..

I remember that match.... what a heartbreak!!


From that to now.... when Belgium is even whooping us!! I don't even remember Belgium being a force in Hockey back then.

 

[jusarrived]

I remember that match.... what a heartbreak!!


From that to now.... when Belgium is even whooping us!! I don't even remember Belgium being a force in Hockey back then.

Belgium suddenly became strong ~2010 , looks like France is going to be the next big team form Europe ..though Spain on the contrary has regressed .

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Belgium suddenly became strong ~2010 , looks like France is going to be the next big team form Europe ..though Spain on the contrary has regressed .

You can chart the success of Spanish sport and rise of a particular lab.... since the demise of that lab, Spanish sport has been in decline coming back to where it use to be previously....

 

[the Great Khan]

I remember that match.... what a heartbreak!!


From that to now.... when Belgium is even whooping us!! I don't even remember Belgium being a force in Hockey back then.

None of these new european teams really were anything to shout home about then. Te game has changed and is a lot more competitive now but we have regressed too..If we get our act together we could be a real force to be reckoned with. Our style is very anti european and we could beat these guys..

 

[Greenstorm]

None of these new european teams really were anything to shout home about then. Te game has changed and is a lot more competitive now but we have regressed too..If we get our act together we could be a real force to be reckoned with. Our style is very anti european and we could beat these guys..

Modern day rules were deliberately introduced to counter subcontinental style hockey and as a result our downfall began. Even than we can be competitive like India, only by improving our fitness standard of our players.

 

[Greenstorm]

I was an ardent supporter of this theory a while back. But since then I have been forced to revise my opinion.

Astro turf was introduced in the 1970s. But Pakistani hockey team enjoyed a glorious run from 1978 to mid 90s, all of which were played on artificial surface. Pakistan won 3 WCs, 1 Olympic Gold and 3 Champions Trophy playing on this surface which was as foreign to them as it was for us. Now Pakistan wasn't economically much better than us, they were indeed better but not by much and they had a paucity of astro turfs just like us. Then how is it that they were able to compete with the Western teams but not us? Their decline in late 90s had nothing to do with the playing surface but the decadence of their hockey administration and failure to adapt to modern times. The Dutch took a giant leap forward in the 90s in terms of fitness, tactics, strategy, skills, philosophy etc and Pakistan missed the bus. We missed our bus 10-15 years earlier !!!!

I think this astro turf excuse is a lazy proposition put forth by some of our former players and officials to justify our plunge in status. Rather than acknowledging the increasing competition, our outdated game style, corruption/nepotism in the organization, disdain for fitness/skill improvement etc, this astro turf excuse was a convenient cop out mechanism. Assuming we couldn't compete with Netherlands or Australia (because their kids get exposed to synthetic turfs at a young age), what explains our pathetic record against Pakistan in those 20 odd years? If Pakistanis could adapt, what was stopping us? I actually think introduction of astro turf was the best thing that happened to hockey and many Indian legends including Balbir Singh (Senior) say the same. However that is a topic for another day.

We may compete or not compete with Western nations but astro turf can't be a reason. We have a tremendous human resources advantage over them because of our population. We have an expanding middle class larger than US population, growing awareness of sports, more money, more incentives/rewards (Sindhu vs Marin comparison in terms of brand value), everything better than ever before. Most importantly we can have our best athletes in hockey, Europeans/Australians generally lose their most gifted athletes to football, rugby, tennis, athletics, swimming, boxing etc which are way more lucrative. If we are unable to compete with the reduced/mediocre competition of the Western teams we have other reasons to blame.

Agreed. Astro turf isn't a big issue. Don't know about India but kids in Pakistan mostly play on hard mud grounds instead of grass fields so transition to astroturf isn't much difficult.

 

[Swashbuckler]

England stunned the Rio Olympic gold medalists Argentina while Australia beat France as expected. Tomorrow we have 2 mouth watering clashes, Belgium-Germany and India-Netherlands.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

None of these new european teams really were anything to shout home about then. Te game has changed and is a lot more competitive now but we have regressed too..If we get our act together we could be a real force to be reckoned with. Our style is very anti european and we could beat these guys..

Is no off side relatively new rule? I don't remember goal hangers back then. The rules are designed to increase the pace of the game and favours teams that are extremely fit. All these western nations have a huge march on Asians with respect to 'sports science'.....

In the matches I saw, our players were inferior in their strength and conditioning. The European teams will control the pace of the game, and when they up it, our lot couldn't live with it and were making basic mistakes....

 

[yasir]

Is no off side relatively new rule? I don't remember goal hangers back then. The rules are designed to increase the pace of the game and favours teams that are extremely fit. All these western nations have a huge march on Asians with respect to 'sports science'.....

In the matches I saw, our players were inferior in their strength and conditioning. The European teams will control the pace of the game, and when they up it, our lot couldn't live with it and were making basic mistakes....

Rules of Hockey are fundamentally flawed, how can you get rid of off-side rule?? - I cannot imagine that happening in Soccer, you are changing the soul of the game. ...With off-side rule change and plenty corners, free flowing aspect of the sports is dead. That was the main course of Hockey, no wonder it died down in our part of the world. This hockey is completely different sports, I personally don't like it...

 

[PakLFC]

Pak should exit the Sport of Hockey. We've become a major embarrassment now making a fool of ourselves.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Rules of Hockey are fundamentally flawed, how can you get rid of off-side rule?? - I cannot imagine that happening in Soccer, you are changing the soul of the game. ...With off-side rule change and plenty corners, free flowing aspect of the sports is dead. That was the main course of Hockey, no wonder it died down in our part of the world. This hockey is completely different sports, I personally don't like it...

I don't like it. The skill has been taken out by lengthening the pitch so to speak. That nifty close control you needed to have to create space and run behind defence has just gone. With goal hangers, the defenders have to stay back deep in their own half, which leaves space in midfield. As long as you have supremely fit athletes who can cover more ground, you will do well. You don't need much skill in hockey anymore.

That's why I said earlier, take the Pakistani players and put them through 6 months of strength and conditioning camp. No hockey at all, just strength and conditioning. Guarantee that they will compete far better in all competitions.

 

[the Great Khan]

Rules of Hockey are fundamentally flawed, how can you get rid of off-side rule?? - I cannot imagine that happening in Soccer, you are changing the soul of the game. ...With off-side rule change and plenty corners, free flowing aspect of the sports is dead. That was the main course of Hockey, no wonder it died down in our part of the world. This hockey is completely different sports, I personally don't like it...

yes totally agree. What the europeans have done is to try and use the "rules" to ensure they dominate. But at the same time it has made the game more acceptable and more competitive. Pakistan just has to adapt. India have why cant we? because they have spent money and care about their country. We dont. We care about paisa and trying to syphon off whatever we can. Pay the players, give them proper fitness training and improve the facilities. It is cheaper to manage and we can afford it if done properly. I guarantee we will be right up there if we just put some effort into it. At the moment the team has ben left to fend for themselves..literally. they are volunteers not professionals, they are barely trained or conditioned, the grassroots is dead, the country has given up..

 

[nextover666666]

Belgium beat Germany 2-1 and will be going to the semi finals

 

[Napa]

India Netherlands tied 1-1 at half time. If the Dutch are more fit, they could come back strongly in the second half

 

[Swashbuckler]

Umpiring not good.

 

[shaaik]

India out of the world cup.

Lost to Netherlands 2-1.

 

[Napa]

India go down 2-1. At least they competed and kept creating chances till the very end, a good sign for the future.

 

[shaaik]

India go down 2-1. At least they competed and kept creating chances till the very end, a good sign for the future.

Watched last couple of minutes, India gave it their all. A good game of hockey. The Dutch prevailed in the end but not by much.

 

[Swashbuckler]

India lose 1-2. 1st goal of Netherlands doubtful because no conclusive evidence to show deflection by their forward, 2nd goal which came of PC has a question mark because umpire wrongly assumed our defender made an early start and sent him off. 4th quarter we played with 10 players because an offence which deserved green card (2 minutes suspension) got yellow card (10 minutes suspension). Officials and umpires looking after the backs of their fellow white people, India/Pakistan have everything stacked against them in this sport, rules, umpires, our own people...

In cricket we had to fight against western supremacy (Imperial Cricket Council) for decades before we got an even footing. Doubt we will ever get equal footing in hockey.

 

[Swashbuckler]

SF line up:

Belgium vs England
Australia vs Netherlands

 

[Swashbuckler]

We can’t play 13 vs 11: India coach Harendra Singh blames poor umpiring for Hockey World Cup exit


The coach disagreed with the field umpire’s decision to grant the Netherlands a penalty corner in the 50th minute – off which they scored the winner.

Indian coach Harendra Singh was peeved with the umpiring in his team’s Hockey World Cup quarter-final defeat to the Netherlands on Thursday.

Thierry Brinkman, in the 15th minute cancelled out Akashdeep Singh’s 12th-minute goal off a penalty corner, before Mink van der Weerden scored the winner off a crucial penalty corner in the 50th minute.

Harendra was not happy with the decision to award the Dutch the penalty corner that led to the winning goal.

“I can only say that we can fight 11 versus 11 and not 13 versus 11,” Harendra said. “They [the umpires] cannot rob the World Cup from this team.

India were reduced to 10 men soon after Netherlands’ second goal after Amit Rohidas received a yellow card for making an early rush in the Dutch team’s earlier attempt.

“What about [Manpreet Singh] who was pushed from behind?” asked Harendra.

“Two times we got a card when we hadn’t done anything but when it happened against us, [the umpire] said nothing.

[The umpires] need to improve. We have lost two major tournaments. Then, people ask, why Indian hockey is not improving.”

Asked if the team would launch an appeal against the decision, Indian captain Manpreet Singh replied, “What’s the use of appealing now? We have lost the World Cup anyway.”

Harendra added, “The outcome of a protest has never been good in my career. We will accept this gracefully but we want neutral umpiring.

“I expect both teams to be treated equally. One wrong decision you ruin preparation of four to six years.”

https://scroll.in/field/905624/we-cant-play-13-vs-11-india-coach-harendra-singh-blames-poor-umpiring-for-hockey-world-cup-exit

I agree with coach Harendra Singh who is usually one of the sanest and most objective voices in the world of hockey. The umpiring was a joke today. I usually criticize our players for lack of mental toughness but when these Europeans and Aussies gang up to protect their backs, I feel sorry for our boys. This isn't a world cup, this is a cartel to serve mutual interests.

 

[JaDed]

I believe everyone watches their own..expected by the umpires inspite of it happening in India.

There was a line which was taught in school one of our chapters 'No one is going to hold the the hand of India of.move it to development, it has to do it on it's own'.

South Korea did something similar to us during games held there.

Seeing these things is when I completely support BCCI to a blind level and seeing what COA has done ,these old socialist SC need to bethrown off.

 

[nextover666666]

India played really well and put a good fight but the better team won in the end of the day fair and square. Netherlands Australia Belgium and Germany despite getting elimnated are the power house of hockey

 

[Greenstorm]

India lose 1-2. 1st goal of Netherlands doubtful because no conclusive evidence to show deflection by their forward, 2nd goal which came of PC has a question mark because umpire wrongly assumed our defender made an early start and sent him off. 4th quarter we played with 10 players because an offence which deserved green card (2 minutes suspension) got yellow card (10 minutes suspension). Officials and umpires looking after the backs of their fellow white people, India/Pakistan have everything stacked against them in this sport, rules, umpires, our own people...

In cricket we had to fight against western supremacy (Imperial Cricket Council) for decades before we got an even footing. Doubt we will ever get equal footing in hockey.

Watch the highlights again. Dutch forward's deflection was clearly visible. Sumit was a few miliseconds too quick to leave the goal while dutch were taking penalty corner although it was very close. I agree that yellow card in the last quarter was harsh(deserved green card). Netherlands were also denied a clear PC during last minutes of 4th quarter. In the end the better team won(stats show that).

Were you honestly believing that India will defeat Netherlands ? India played well and gave tough time to Netherlands and you should take that. I have posted here before in different threads that modern day hockey rules are stacked against subcontinental style hockey. Unless the rules are amended, we won't make it to the finals of major two tournaments (WC and Olympics). It is the same case to what has happened to Brazil in football.

 

[the Great Khan]

We can’t play 13 vs 11: India coach Harendra Singh blames poor umpiring for Hockey World Cup exit


The coach disagreed with the field umpire’s decision to grant the Netherlands a penalty corner in the 50th minute – off which they scored the winner.



https://scroll.in/field/905624/we-cant-play-13-vs-11-india-coach-harendra-singh-blames-poor-umpiring-for-hockey-world-cup-exit

I agree with coach Harendra Singh who is usually one of the sanest and most objective voices in the world of hockey. The umpiring was a joke today. I usually criticize our players for lack of mental toughness but when these Europeans and Aussies gang up to protect their backs, I feel sorry for our boys. This isn't a world cup, this is a cartel to serve mutual interests.

They have done it in the past. I believe it was in the barcelona olympics if Im not mistaken (somebody correct me here) Shahbaz ahmed (one of the all time greatest players I have ever seen) complained bitterly at the way Pakistan were robbed I believe in the semi finals. And we had an electric side in those days. The europeans were terrified of us.

Dont be surprised if they have done the same to india. They cannot have the asian sides dominating the game again.

But This is where our squabbles really need to be put aside. We need to get together and reignite asian hockey.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Watch the highlights again. Dutch forward's deflection was clearly visible. Sumit was a few miliseconds too quick to leave the goal while dutch were taking penalty corner although it was very close. I agree that yellow card in the last quarter was harsh(deserved green card). Netherlands were also denied a clear PC during last minutes of 4th quarter. In the end the better team won(stats show that).

Were you honestly believing that India will defeat Netherlands ? India played well and gave tough time to Netherlands and you should take that. I have posted here before in different threads that modern day hockey rules are stacked against subcontinental style hockey. Unless the rules are amended, we won't make it to the finals of major two tournaments (WC and Olympics). It is the same case to what has happened to Brazil in football.

That was an emotional post my friend. In hindsight I shouldn't have mentioned the Dutch 1st goal but both sticks were so close to each other that I had a doubt. Anyway still believe their goal scoring PC was lucky and as you said the yellow card was harsh.

I had the belief we could win hence the dejection. Coming to this match, since 2014 we had played Netherlands 9 times and both teams had 4 wins each with 1 draw. So I thought may be we could do something. I mean who would have thought Ireland would reach the Women's Hockey World Cup Final this year? Sports is unpredictable and right from the start I felt all the teams ranked in the top 6 had a chance this time. Anyway what's done is done.

Modern day hockey rules are stacked against India and Pakistan agreed. But I feel even umpires are against us. Almost all the umpires are from Western nations and they do a good job at protecting each other's back. How can we ever hope to fight when the playing field isn't level? Glad that you mentioned Brazil, even this World Cup they were knocked out by a European team (Belgium) in which there were many important decisions against them. Last 4 FIFA WC winners are Europeans, hockey reign by the West is even longer, these people have ganged up together against the developing world.

Olympics is in 2020, hope both India and Pakistan qualify. Winning is a distant dream but if we don't qualify that will be a major embarrassment.

 

[Swashbuckler]

They have done it in the past. I believe it was in the barcelona olympics if Im not mistaken (somebody correct me here) Shahbaz ahmed (one of the all time greatest players I have ever seen) complained bitterly at the way Pakistan were robbed I believe in the semi finals. And we had an electric side in those days. The europeans were terrified of us.

Dont be surprised if they have done the same to india. They cannot have the asian sides dominating the game again.

But This is where our squabbles really need to be put aside. We need to get together and reignite asian hockey.

You have hit the bull's eye, I can't emphasize the bolded bit enough. Asian teams need to stick together if they are to ever challenge the Western hegemony. Especially India and Pakistan, the erstwhile powerhouses of hockey. Look at the unity of the Western teams, they don't bother losing to each other but are unanimous in their thought that outsiders shouldn't enter their exclusive club. What have they not done to damage our hockey? Changing rules, changing equipments, umpires/officials cartel, technical delegation domination, list is endless. Divided we stand, united we fall !!!

Not just hockey, the same applies to cricket as well. For so many decades the Imperial Cricket Council dominated, subjugating and humiliating the Asian sides. It took a lot of resilience and unity for us to make it a level playing field. India and Pakistan (later joined by Sri Lanka) presented a united stand and fought for their players' rights. Together we brought the WC out of England for the 1st time in 1987, much to the chagrin of the English/Aussie mafia. We turned the tables in ICC, demanded our rights/money and helped Bangladesh join the club. Not just the boards, even our players had each other's backs. They fought hard on the pitch but also developed lifelong friendship, Miandad was the 1st to congratulate us after 1983 while Gavaskar was the 1st to congratulate Imran after 1992, no malice and just goodwill and shared joy at seeing South Asia rise. Ranatunga was another strong voice and a symbol of Asian bloc, during the 1996 WC India and Pakistan formed a joint team that played an exhibition match in Sri Lanka after Western nations pulled out because of terrorism concerns. Where is the unity now?

Both BCCI and PCB are to blame. I can't talk about PCB but IMO BCCI has been very shortsighted in abandoning the Asian bloc and trying to align with her historical enemies. We should never forget our origins, when the Imperial Council was being unfair on us it was Pakistan which was our strongest ally, more of a brother. I am sometimes ashamed to see the path Indian cricket is heading towards, if it were up to me I would take the entire region along and present a united face against the rest of the world.

What we faced in cricket before the 90s, it is even worse in hockey. In cricket there were mainly 2 bullies
but in hockey there are at least 7-8 bullies and the sport unfortunately isn't a hit in our countries, so getting financial clout will be difficult. We need to awaken an entire generation of youth and raise the profile of the game before any attempt at getting some edge over Western teams can be materialized. Unfortunately I don't see that happening, hence the wait for change will be a prolonged one.

 

[the Great Khan]

You have hit the bull's eye, I can't emphasize the bolded bit enough. Asian teams need to stick together if they are to ever challenge the Western hegemony. Especially India and Pakistan, the erstwhile powerhouses of hockey. Look at the unity of the Western teams, they don't bother losing to each other but are unanimous in their thought that outsiders shouldn't enter their exclusive club. What have they not done to damage our hockey? Changing rules, changing equipments, umpires/officials cartel, technical delegation domination, list is endless. Divided we stand, united we fall !!!

Not just hockey, the same applies to cricket as well. For so many decades the Imperial Cricket Council dominated, subjugating and humiliating the Asian sides. It took a lot of resilience and unity for us to make it a level playing field. India and Pakistan (later joined by Sri Lanka) presented a united stand and fought for their players' rights. Together we brought the WC out of England for the 1st time in 1987, much to the chagrin of the English/Aussie mafia. We turned the tables in ICC, demanded our rights/money and helped Bangladesh join the club. Not just the boards, even our players had each other's backs. They fought hard on the pitch but also developed lifelong friendship, Miandad was the 1st to congratulate us after 1983 while Gavaskar was the 1st to congratulate Imran after 1992, no malice and just goodwill and shared joy at seeing South Asia rise. Ranatunga was another strong voice and a symbol of Asian bloc, during the 1996 WC India and Pakistan formed a joint team that played an exhibition match in Sri Lanka after Western nations pulled out because of terrorism concerns. Where is the unity now?

Both BCCI and PCB are to blame. I can't talk about PCB but IMO BCCI has been very shortsighted in abandoning the Asian bloc and trying to align with her historical enemies. We should never forget our origins, when the Imperial Council was being unfair on us it was Pakistan which was our strongest ally, more of a brother. I am sometimes ashamed to see the path Indian cricket is heading towards, if it were up to me I would take the entire region along and present a united face against the rest of the world.

What we faced in cricket before the 90s, it is even worse in hockey. In cricket there were mainly 2 bullies
but in hockey there are at least 7-8 bullies and the sport unfortunately isn't a hit in our countries, so getting financial clout will be difficult. We need to awaken an entire generation of youth and raise the profile of the game before any attempt at getting some edge over Western teams can be materialized. Unfortunately I don't see that happening, hence the wait for change will be a prolonged one.

Totally agree. I read Peter Oborne's book about the history of Pakistan cricket and the way the ACC came together to counter the ICC was quite interesting.

We can turn this around. We really need to sort things out amongst ourselves so that we can get sport going across our borders. Think about it. If Pakistan can sort out its Hockey infrastructure we can join forces with Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and India to create a block. Include China too. Eventually look to start a Asian super league that teams can play in. Bring in money sponsorship. Once money comes into it we can break their monopoly. But can we stick together?

 

[Greenstorm]

That was an emotional post my friend. In hindsight I shouldn't have mentioned the Dutch 1st goal but both sticks were so close to each other that I had a doubt. Anyway still believe their goal scoring PC was lucky and as you said the yellow card was harsh.

I had the belief we could win hence the dejection. Coming to this match, since 2014 we had played Netherlands 9 times and both teams had 4 wins each with 1 draw. So I thought may be we could do something. I mean who would have thought Ireland would reach the Women's Hockey World Cup Final this year? Sports is unpredictable and right from the start I felt all the teams ranked in the top 6 had a chance this time. Anyway what's done is done.

Modern day hockey rules are stacked against India and Pakistan agreed. But I feel even umpires are against us. Almost all the umpires are from Western nations and they do a good job at protecting each other's back. How can we ever hope to fight when the playing field isn't level? Glad that you mentioned Brazil, even this World Cup they were knocked out by a European team (Belgium) in which there were many important decisions against them. Last 4 FIFA WC winners are Europeans, hockey reign by the West is even longer, these people have ganged up together against the developing world.

Olympics is in 2020, hope both India and Pakistan qualify. Winning is a distant dream but if we don't qualify that will be a major embarrassment.

India will easily qualify for next Olympics, not sure about Pakistan though.

India has hosted two of the last 3 WCs which tell me that it has some clout in FIH. Indian hockey league attracts top international players. Thing is that Indians have accepted that modern hockey is the way to go and they have amended there game to that. Last night, India was playing total European style hockey, no reliance on individual skill and man elimination, more emphasis on long passes and off the ball movement. This change in style has brought them to 5 in ranking but will India win any major tournaments by playing an adopted style which is against there blood ? I don't think so.

What Pakistan India should do is to demand for a simple change in one rule and that is to bring back off-side. Reduce the players to 9 a side if Europeans bring the excuse of field congestion and slow paced game. We will be back to our winning ways in no time.

 

[Greenstorm]

Totally agree. I read Peter Oborne's book about the history of Pakistan cricket and the way the ACC came together to counter the ICC was quite interesting.

We can turn this around. We really need to sort things out amongst ourselves so that we can get sport going across our borders. Think about it. If Pakistan can sort out its Hockey infrastructure we can join forces with Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and India to create a block. Include China too. Eventually look to start a Asian super league that teams can play in. Bring in money sponsorship. Once money comes into it we can break their monopoly. But can we stick together?

Korea, Malaysia, Japan and China won't join us. Modern rules suit them.

 

[MenInG]

Bhubaneswar: Asian Hockey Federation CEO Tayyab Ikram on Thursday lamented the demise of hockey in Pakistan and feared that the prevailing political and security situation will make the game's revival very difficult. Ikram, a Pakistani national who now resides in Hong Kong, said due to lack of international exposure hockey has no takers in the troubled nation.

"Pakistan is a completely different case, at this stage. Bringing young generation into hockey from a national point of view, it always has to do something with what glamour is left in the sport. It was the case when Pakistan was winning all the World Cups, Champions Trophy together with India. There was glamour then, there was interest," he said.

"Pakistan, why I say, is a different case because of political and security situation at this stage. The sport in Pakistan is almost dead. The people of Pakistan are waiting to see international hockey in Pakistan," Ikram said on the sidelines of the men's hockey World Cup here.

Ikram said Pakistan is one of the priorities of AHF and the need of the hour is to have set a platform for the revival of the game in the nation.

"There is an effort how we can survive and improve the situation in Pakistan. It is very difficult at this stage. The team has had a very different preparation for the World Cup. I also confess here, representing Asian hockey, that we have to set our priorities. "India is a good example. They felt 10-15 years ago that their athletes need high-performance input, which we don't have (in Pakistan). We have fantastic history in Olympics, fantastic hockey players but there are no advanced coaches. They cannot address the need of today's high-performance hockey," he said.

The AHF CEO said the revival of India-Pakistan hockey rivalry is something that can do world of good for both the hockey playing nations.

"I would like to sign that agreement today. That is something which is I fully agree with and I am working on it. I am very much involved with this. It's one of the best properties. It is not only the responsibility of only Asian Hockey Federation it is the responsibility of global hockey. It is amazing to see the numbers and audience and engagement of our spectators in this property," Ikram said.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...n-pakistan-asian-hockey-federation-ceo/330640

 

[Eagle_Eye]

England currently getting thrashed 6-0 in semis by Belgium

Atleast Pakistanis weren't this bad lol

 

[nextover666666]

Netherlands beat Australia in penelty shoot out

Our grand final will be Netherlands vs Belgium

If the Netherlands win it will be their fourth title and they will be tied with Pakistan for most World Cup wins on that note lets go Belgium lol

 

[Swashbuckler]

Learnt today that Hockey India League is moving to Hockey 5s format (5 a side) from next year because the current league is financially unsustainable . Can't beiieve how low the interest in hockey has become in the country, even social media was quiet during the course of our campaign, same social media lights up when Dhoni posts a 20 second video of his dogs playing with each other.

Uff the interests and priorities of Indian public, mind boggles. If we are down the gutter in this sport, equal blame goes to our own people who won't bother feigning interest in our national sport, never mind that unlike most countries we aren't that illustrious in multiple sports to begin with.

 

[nextover666666]

Australia beat England by a score of 8-1 to claim 3rd place bronze medal

 

[nextover666666]

Final of the World Cup
Half time score
Belgium 0
Netherlands 0

 

[Swashbuckler]

England didn't deserve a 4th place finish, 0-6 and 1-8 in back to back days , disgraceful !!! Germany and India exhibited better hockey level than them IMO.

 

[nextover666666]

Belgium win their first World Cup ever what a game of hockey. Score 0-0 went into penelty shootouts with Belgium winning 3-2 after being down 2-0 In the penelty shout out.

So happy they won after being runner up in the Olympics of 2016 they were able to capture their first World Cup what a team Congratz to Belgium hockey team and its fans

 

[shariqnoor]

Despite the match ending 0-0, that was one of the best hockey matches ever. And the ending was crazy. Imagine if Holland had won after that Belgium celebration.

Belgium are one of the great sporting nations in the world. For a population of just 11 million, they really excel in many sports. World Champions in Hockey and 3rd place in Football. Incredible. Have had two incredible tennis world number 1 players in Clijsters and Henin too.

 

[Swashbuckler]

In 2016 Olympics the eventual gold medalists Argentina lost to India in the group match, brushed everyone else aside to win the damn thing.

In 2018 WC Belgium beat everyone but India and against us they were trailing for 55 minutes.

It seems faltering against India has become a talisman in these world events.

 

[MenInG]

Belgium lifted the Hockey World Cup for the first as they defeated the Netherlands in the final in a shootout by 3-2 on Sunday at Bhubaneswar, India.

Belgium entered the final of the tournament as an underdog against the three-time World Champions Netherlands, however, it was a cracker of a contest as both the teams had their moments in the game.

It was the first time that Hockey World Cup ended in a 0-0 result on full time. The game was to be decided on a shootout, the Netherlands were confident as they had defeated Australia in the semi-final on set-pieces.

It was a dream start from the Dutch in the shootout, while Belgium struggled at the start. Belgium, who were playing their first-ever Hockey World Cup final, missed out on the first two attempts, while the Netherlands scored once.

However, the tables turned and the Netherlands missed their next three attempts to net the ball, whereas Belgium managed to score on two out of three.

Belgium had to score on their fifth attempt to win the World Cup, Arthur De Sloover scored on his attempt and started celebrating with team, but the Netherlands took a referral and it showed that the ball had hit striker’s foot, the decision was overturned.

Belgium was the first team to have a go in the next round of the shootout, Florent van Aubel scored the goal for his team, on the other hand, the Dutch missed out.

It was all celebration and smiles in the Belgian camp, while the Dutch could not believe how they threw away the game.

https://arysports.tv/belgium-win-hockey-world-cup-thrilling-shoot-out/

 

[nextover666666]

A very good World Cup indeed with entertaining matches indeed. In four years time we shall see how that World Cup shapes up I believe the host will be Malaysia if I'm not mistaken regardless Congratz to Belgium again glad he Dutch didn't win only because Pakistan still remains the team with most world cups lol

 

[Swashbuckler]

Very well organized World Cup in a relatively lightweight Indian city. Naveen Patnaik's thrust on sports will help Odisha in the long run. The sports complex is shaping up to be world class, hosting top events every year. A Hockey World Cup after last year's Asian Athletics Championship, so glad to see this development after Delhi's continuous hogging of limelight for decades.

Congrats Belgium, the best team on display and am so glad they beat the arrogant Dutch in the final. The Dutch coach Max Caldas is a tool and am so glad he is on the losing side. All in all so many entertaining matches, thrilling final, top teams in full form, high scoring tussles, exquisite field goals, great crowds, what more can we ask for?

On to Tokyo Olympics then, hope for South Asian representation first and foremost. 2019 will be a dry year hockey wise for India, hope we can schedule a few test series to compensate. Pray for an Indo-Pak series in the Gulf, the undying optimist within me wants this to happen.

 

[Greenstorm]

Belgium are the deserved winners of this tournament. There off the ball movement and skillful forward line is better than the rest.