Hockey 2024 Paris Olympic Review

Men’s Event

Belgium were the only undefeated team in the group stage, topping Group B ahead of India, Australia and Argentina. Group A was tighter as three teams finished with just one loss. Germany led Netherlands with Great Britain third and Spain the final qualifier. In the quarter finals, an early red card for India put Britain in control, however they could not stop India striking first and ultimately winning a shootout. Spain beat Belgium 3-2 despite conceding five penalty corners. Netherlands beat Australia 2-0 and Argentina twice fought back to level against Germany, but Germany took the 3-2 win. Netherlands dominated Spain to reach the final. The other semi final was something of a classic, Germany winning 3-2 despite India creating a greater number of chances. A great defensive performance sealed India the bronze medal with a 2-1 win. The final was goalless for three quarters before Netherlands went ahead, only for Germany to equalise on a penalty corner. It would go to a shootout and after each team missed two attempts, Netherlands went on to win, prompting a post-match scuffle. 

🥇Netherlands 🇳🇱

🥈Germany 🇩🇪

🥉India 🇮🇳

Prediction analysis; 1 Medallist correct

In my first draft, I had Netherlands winning gold. I changed my mind. Great Britain will still be kicking themselves that they did not make it whilst Australia really disappointed. 

Women’s Event 

The Netherlands won all five group games to top Group A. In Group B, Australia edged Argentina despite both finishing unbeaten. In the quarter finals, China upset Australia 3-2, coming from behind to snatch victory. Argentina beat Germany in a shootout with the Germans missing all four attempts. Netherlands dominated against Great Britain, winning 3-1. Belgium beat Spain 2-0 in the final quarter final, despite Spain having four penalty corners. Netherlands were dominant in the first semi final, winning 3-0. In the second, China came from behind to take Belgium to a shootout, winning 3-2. Both of the medal matchups went to shootouts. Belgium and Argentina traded leads before finishing 2-2. It was Argentina who won the shootout to take bronze. Netherlands trailed for a long stretch of the final but clawed back and triumphed 3-1 in the shootout.

🥇Netherlands 🇳🇱

🥈China 🇨🇳

🥉Argentina 🇦🇷

Prediction analysis; 2 Medallist correct, 1 perfect prediction  

Netherlands felt like one of the stronger favourites to me and I was surprised they struggled as much in the final as they did. I mentioned China and Belgium as both capable of getting surprise wins.