Argentina took sweet revenge. They had lost to the Netherlands in the previous edition of the Women’s Hockey World Cup final. This time, they beat the same Dutch side to win the title. After finishing level 1-1 in regulation time, Argentina won the final 3-1 in the shootout.
Argentina last won the Hockey World Cup in 2010. They have now brought the title home after 16 years. It is Argentina’s third Women’s Hockey World Cup title — and this one came by dethroning the three-time defending champions, the Netherlands.
In the Amsterdam final, the Netherlands took the lead through a goal from Yibbi Jansen. With 51 seconds left in the first half, Jansen’s powerful shot from the match’s first penalty corner found the net down the left side of the goal. The stands erupted after the goal. She finished the tournament with a tournament-high eight goals.
In the fourth quarter, with six minutes left, Argentina leveled through Maria Granatto’s goal from another penalty corner. The talking point of the match was a stunning save by Argentina goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino. Facing an attack from Pien Dicke, she came off her line to make the block and keep the score level. The match then went to a shootout, where Argentina prevailed.
Player of the match, Argentine goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino, was overcome with joy after the final: “I’m at a loss for words. We’ve been waiting for this moment for 16 years. The Netherlands are a very tough opponent, and we knew the match would be like this. Our plan was to fight for every ball — the goals would come. And then, in the shootout, just enjoy it.”
Earlier, in the bronze medal match, Belgium beat Australia 1-0. It was their first World Cup medal, ending a 48-year wait.