Belgium defeated three time world champions Netherlands to win first world cup hockey title. In an absorbing encounter Belgium over came the challenge of Dutch 3-2 in shoot out. Both the teams were goal less in regular time of 60 minutes.
In shoot out also it was 2-2. Both missed three attempts each.
In sudden death Belgium scored but Netherlands failed.This way Belgium clinched the title.
It was Belgium’s maiden appearance in the final of world cup.
Before this Belgium could never beat Netherlands in any of the World cup matches. It was Netherlands’ seventh appearance in finals. They have won the cup thrice.
Netherlands won this cup in 1973, 1990 and in 1998. Australia also won it three times in 1986, 2010, 2014. Germany won it twice in 2002 and 2006 where as India lifted it in 1975.
Pakistan is the team which won world cup four times in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994.
Belgium has become the sixth team to won this title.
