News for 08 August 2024
All the news for Thursday 8 August 2024
2024 Olympic Games
Paris
All times GMT +2
07 Aug 2024 was a rest day
Men's Finals
08 Aug 20240 14:00 IND v ESP (Bronze) 2 - 1
08 Aug 20240 19:00 GER v NED (Gold)
Pool Standings
Women
Women - Semi-finals
07 Aug 2024 14:00 NED v ARG 3 - 0
07 Aug 2024 19:00 BEL v CHN 1 - 1 (SO 2 - 3)
08 Aug 2024 is a rest day
09 Aug 2024 14:00 ARG v BEL
09 Aug 2024 20:00 NED v CHN
Pool Standings
Live scores
China bring the drama to secure gold medal match against the Netherlands
Paris, France - Day 12: The women’s hockey final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be contested between reigning champions the Netherlands and China, with the Asian giants reaching their first Olympic final since Beijing 2008. 
Netherlands to face China for women’s Olympic gold
By Jawwad Qamar
Netherlands will face People’s Republic of China for the women’s Olympic gold medal on Friday. While the Netherlands easily blanked Pan American powerhouse Argentina 3-0 in the first semifinal, China needed a shootout to prevail over Belgium after a 1-1 regulation tie in the second semifinal.
In an Olympic rematch from three years ago, when Netherlands beat Argentina 3 - 1 to win gold in Tokyo, the Dutch women this time did not allow a single goal to the South Americans.
Luna Fokke started the scoring for the reigning Olympic and World champions at the 21-minute mark, in front of large orange crowd, after connecting on a long ball from Renee van Laarhoven, from the right, and beating the Argentina goalkeeper with a fine reverse stick to the left of the net for 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, Fokke found Laura Nunnink from the left wing and she doubled the lead by deflecting the fine pass from her.
Tournaments leading scorer Yibbi Jansen followed on a penalty corner strike five minutes into the third quarter to make it 3-0 for the number one ranked women’s team. This score stood until the final buzzer as Las Leonas did not have any answers to the Dutch domination.
The second semifinal between Belgium and China was tightly fought affair. China took a 1-0 lead in the 18 minute through a Zou Meirong penalty corner rebound and held on to that lead until the 58 minute when Emma Puvrez slammed in a great equalizer on Belgium’s ninth penalty corner, sending the match into a shootout, much to the delight of large numbers of Belgian fans.
However, this elation for the Belgian fans was short lived as China eventually prevailed in the shootout thanks to their goalkeeper Ye Jiao. Ye Jiao denied the last three Belgian attackers Ambre Ballenghien, Justine Rasir and Daphne Marien after Charlotte Englebert and Vanessa Blockmans had scored for Belgium in their first two attempt while their goalkeeper Aisling D’Hooghe had denied Chen Yang in China’s first attempt. Goals by He Jiagxin, Zou Meirong and Ma Ning were enough for China to move on to Friday’s Gold medal game against the Netherlands. Without a doubt, the Netherlands are to be considered heavy favorites to easily defend their Olympic title!
Fieldhockey.com Exclusive
Dutch double dream remains on as Netherlands women reach gold medal match
The Netherlands women proved simply too strong for semi-final opponents Argentina, claiming a 3-0 triumph over their fierce rivals to reach the Olympic final for the sixth successive Games.
Dutch beat Argentina to reach 6th straight women's hockey final at Paris Olympics
The Dutch have reached every final since missing out at the 2000 Sydney Games and have a chance to make history if both women's and men's teams win gold
Netherlands' Yibbi Jansen, center, wearing a white headband, celebrates with teammates after scoring her side's third goal during the women's semifinal field hockey match against Argentina during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in Colombes, France. AP/PTI
Reigning Olympic champions, the Netherlands defeated Argentina 3-0 in the women's hockey semi-finals at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday as midfielder Luna Fokke came off the bench to grab a goal and an assist in the second quarter.
Olympic hockey match briefly halted after horror injury that broadcasters had to cut away from
The game was stopped for five minutes after a nasty injury.
Ryan Smart
The women's hockey semi-final between the Netherlands and Argentina had to be stopped for over five minutes after a nasty injury.
Blood on the hockey turf as graphic injury forces long delay in semi-final
Daniel Jeffrey
Joosje Burg suffered a nasty injury in the Netherlands' semi-final win. AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi
Wednesday night's (AEST) women's hockey semi-final between the Netherlands and Argentina was brought to a halt after Joosje Burg was felled by a brutal blow to the head from close range.
Olympics turns gruesome with bloody women’s field hockey scene
By Tyson Otto
Netherland's Joosje Burg reacting in pain post injury during the women's semi-final hockey match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. REUTERS
Olympic field hockey was brought to a standstill Wednesday after distressing scenes unfolded in a women’s semifinal.
China reach Olympic final as Belgium suffer shoot-out heartbreak
The women’s hockey final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be contested between reigning champions the Netherlands and China, with the latter securing their place in the gold medal match thanks to a shoot-out win against Belgium in front of a raucous crowd at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium.
China beats Belgium in penalties to advance to women’s hockey final
China plays a powerhouse Netherlands side that is looking to repeat its gold medal from Tokyo in its sixth consecutive Olympic final.
Paris 2024 Olympics: China’s players celebrate after winning the women’s hockey semifinal against Belgium at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Colombes on Thursday. | Photo Credit: AP
China beat Belgium 3-2 during a penalty shootout in women’s hockey at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday to advance to the final after a 1-1 draw in regulation, as goalkeeper Ye Jiao stopped Delphine-Daphne Marien’s final penalty attempt.
Chinese hockey player sparks fury after smashing the ball at opponent at the end of Olympic match
Ryan Smart
The incident sparked a mass confrontation between the two sets of players.
A Chinese hockey player sparked fury after she smashed the ball into her Belgian opponent at the end of their Olympic semi-final.
Watch the shocking moment a Chinese hockey player SMACKS ball at Belgium opponent after full-time - sparking a mass bust-up on the pitch - as Olympics semi-final descends into chaos
By Will Pickworth
After the whistle was blown, Fan Yunxia hit the ball at Belgium's Delphine-Daphne Marien
The Olympics women's hockey semi-final between China and Belgium descended into chaos on Wednesday when a Chinese player smacked the ball at an opponent after full-time.
Chinese hockey player slammed for ‘endangering’ opponent during Olympic semi-final
Louis Sealey
China beat Belgium to reach the Paris 2024 Olympic final (Pictures: Eurosport/Getty)
A Chinese hockey player was slammed for ‘endangering’ an opponent during the Olympic semi-final in Paris.
Germany and Netherlands target Olympic gold as men’s final approaches
A sensational men’s hockey competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will reach its climax on Thursday, with four incredible teams fighting it out for the three medals on offer in front of deafening capacity crowds at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium.
Germany star Gonzalo Peillat one step from history
Gonzalo Peillat celebrates as Germany reach the World Cup final in 2023 PIC: Worldsportpics
Paris — Gonzalo Peillat stands to become just the sixth Olympian in history to win a gold medal for ‘distinctly different nations’ should Germany topple the Netherlands in Thursday’s men’s final.
BR Contest: The Spain story
ERROL D’CRUZ
The Red Sticks, as the Spanish hockey team is called, have been ubiquitous at the Olympics and World Cup. Spain’s hockey tradition is striking given its small player base. A guess would be just 5,000 play the sport with a good many from the cradle Terrassa near Barcelona.
Olympic dream and 16 men: Indian men's hockey team takes on Spain
The Indian men's hockey team has a chance to win a historic bronze against the Spanish team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
By Pritish Raj
Indian men's hockey team in action at 2024 Paris Olympics. (Photo Credit: FIH)
When the 16 men led by Harmanpreet Singh walk on the turf of the legendary Stade Yves-du-Manoir in Paris, they will be carrying the hopes of a billion people who have endured multiple heartbreaks at the Olympic Games in Paris.
What happened the last time Indian men’s hockey team played in an Olympic bronze medal match?
As the Indian men’s hockey team lost to Germany 2-3 to qualify for the bronze medal match in Paris, here is all you need to know on what happened the last time the Indian team played in an Olympic bronze medal match.
Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh at the end of the men’s hockey semifinal match between India and Germany at the 2024 Summer Olympics. | Photo Credit: PTI
As the Indian men’s hockey team lost to Germany 2-3 to qualify for the bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics, here is all you need to know on what happened the last time the Indian team played in an Olympic bronze medal match.
Will Amit Rohidas play bronze medal match vs Spain after getting red card against Great Britain?
Amit Rohidas was sent off after the video umpire deemed he had hit a British player’s face with his stick intentionally.
India’s Amit Rohidas (second right) after referee shows him red card during the men’s quarterfinal field hockey match between Great Britain and India.
India’s Amit Rohidas (second right) after referee shows him red card during the men’s quarterfinal field hockey match between Great Britain and India. | Photo Credit: AP
International Hockey Federation (FIH) disciplinary committee suspended Amit Rohidas, who received a red card in India’s quarterfinal hockey match against Great Britain, was suspended from playing in the Paris Olympic semifinal against Germany.
Olympic Games Hockey - Milestones
Xan de Waard scored a goal in a first minute
By Tariq Ali
The Netherlands women's hockey captain, a forward and a great striker Xan de Waard scored a goal in just 46 seconds from the start of the match against Great Britain in the quarter-final in the Paris Olympic Games 2024
Following is the list of the fastest goals in women's hockey in the Olympic Hockey
22 seconds - Melissa Gonzales - United States v Japan - Rio de Janeiro 2016
39 seconds - Keli Smith Puzo - United States v New Zealand - Beijing 2008
46 seconds - Xan de Waard - Netherlands v Great Britain - Paris 2024
Following is the list of the First Minute Goals in women's hockey in the Olympic Games
1' - Sheila Forshaw - Canada v NewZealand - Los Angeles 1984
1' - Keli Smith Puzo - United States v New Zealand - Beijing 2008
1' - Melissa Gonzales - United States v Japan - Rio de Janeiro 2016
1' - Xan de Waard - Netherlands v Great Britain - Paris 2024
Jane Claxton Completed 250 matches
Australian women's hockey player Jane Claxton achieved a personnel landmark to appear in 250 international matches during the Quarter-final match against China in the Paris Olympic Games 2024
Following is the list of Australian women's hockey players appeared in 250 or more international matches
342 - Madonna Blyth 2004-2016
303 - Nikki Hudson 1993-2009
279 - Rechelle Hawkes 1985-2000
271 - Karen Smith 1996-2006
258 - Casey Sablowski 2005-2016
255 - Emily Chalker 2011-2024
252 - Katrina Powell 1994-2014
250 - Jane Claxton 2013-2024*
Beatriz Perez became the most capped Spanish women's hockey player
Spanish women's hockey team lost the quarter-final against Belgium by 0-2 in the Paris Olympic Games, 2024. Beatriz Perez, the women's hockey player from Spain became the most capped player for her country beating the previous record of the most caps 266 by Georgina Oliva and Ybarra Rocio.
Following is the list of most caps for the women's hockey players of Spain
267 - Beatriz Perez 2012-2024*
266 - Georgina Oliva 2006-2022
266 - Ybarra Rocio 2004-2022
255 - Maria Lopez 2013-2024*
Most capped Australian goalkeeper
Andrew Charter the most capped Australian goalkeeper completed his 250 appearances men's hockey during the quarter-final played between Australia and Netherlands.
Following is the list Australian men's hockey goalkeepers with most caps
250 Andrew Charter 2012-2024*
162 Lechlan Dreher 1989-2000
147 Tyler Lovell 2013-2021
137 Damon Diletti 1991-2000
113 Stephen Lambert 2002-2008
Following is the list of Australian men's hockey players with 250 or more caps
450 Eddie Ockenden 2006-2024*
365 Jamie Dwyer 2001-2016
324 Mark Knowles 2004-2018
321 Jay Stacy 1987-2000
317 Brent Levermore 1997-2009
312 Liam de Young 2001-2015
281 Michael York 1988-2000
274 Stephen Davies 1989-2000
271 Jacob Whetton 2012-2023
266 Aran Zelewski 2011-2024*
256 Robert Hammond 2007-2014
250 Andrew Charter 2011-2024*
Olympic athlete Tom Craig arrested for buying cocaine
By Javier Carro 
Thomas Craig poses during the Paris 2024 Australian hockey team announcement. GETTY IMAGES
New scandal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. A player from the Australian field hockey team was arrested on the night of Tuesday 6 August by French police, who caught him buying cocaine on the street from a drug dealer, according to the Prosecutor's Office of the French capital.
Tom Craig sorry after being caught buying cocaine
Kookaburra Tom Craig in action against India PIC: WORLDSPORTPICS/ Simon Watts
Paris — Kookaburra Tom Craig has been released after spending the night in custody following the hockey Olympian’s arrested for buying cocaine in Paris.
Australian Olympic hockey player apologises after arrest for allegedly buying cocaine
Jack Snape
Australia hockey player Tom Craig in action for the Kookaburras during the 2024 Olympics before he was arrested in Paris for allegedly buying cocaine. Photograph: Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images
Australian Olympic hockey player Tom Craig has been barred from attending the closing ceremony after being arrested and spending a night in a Paris police station for allegedly trying to buy cocaine on the streets of the French capital.
2024 Test Matches WAL v MAS (W)
Cardiff, Wales
All times GMT +1
7 Aug 2024 16:00 WAL v MAS 2 - 2
9 Aug 2024 16:00 WAL v MAS
10 Aug 2024 16:00 WAL v MAS
Live scores
Wales draw with Malaysia in Summer Series opener
Beth Bingham has been Wales captain since March 2023 Image source, Getty Images
Wales' women drew 2-2 with Malaysia in the opening game of their hockey Summer Series.
2024 Test Matches WAL v AUT (M)
Cardiff, Wales
All times GMT +1
8 Aug 2024 16:00 WAL v AUT
10 Aug 2024 12:00 WAL v AUT
11 Aug 2024 10:00 WAL v AUT
Live scores
2024 Test Matches POL v SCO v CZE (M)
Poznań, Poland
All times GMT +2
8 Aug 2024 18:00 POL v SCO
9 Aug 2024 16:00 POL v SCO
11 Aug 2024 11:30 POL v CZE
Live scores
Scotland men’s squad to play Poland and Czechia
Scotland men travel to Poznan for two capped matches against Poland and one uncapped game against Czechia. The games form part of the team’s preparations to play at the EuroHockey Qualifier in Vienna.
Hockey union calls for support 
The Namibian women’s team that competed at the World Hockey Fives in Oman in January. File photo
The Namibia Hockey Union (NHU) is appealing for financial assistance to send teams to the Central South Africa qualifier for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
Future Black Sticks U18 Squads named
Following a great week of hockey in July for both the U18 Men and Women, a group of players have been selected to come together for an upcoming Future Black Sticks camp in October.