Hockey World Cup 2023 HIGHLIGHTS: Five hat-tricks scored on day 8 as Germany, Belgium, Argentina, Australia register wins

Catch all the updates, results, and highlights from the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 in Odisha.

Germany in action against Korea. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Thanks for tuning into Sportstar’s HIGHLIGHTS of the Hockey World Cup 2023 - Day 8 in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

Hockey World Cup 2023 Points Table

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT THE QUARTERFINALISTS, CROSSOVERS SCHEDULE, TIME AND VENUE

THAT’S IT FOR THE GROUP STAGE MATCHES!

Germany vs Korea (Match 24)

FOURTH QUARTER

• Jang scores for Korea and flicks it as Germany is sans ‘keeper. WHISTLE BLOWS AND GERMANY WINS 7-2
• Penalty corner for Korea, but Germany had taken off its goalkeeper Stadler due to the green card. Can Korea score a complimentary goal?
• Germany down to nine players as two players get green card one after the other. Hinrichs and Oruz.
• With a span of four minutes, Germany scores three goals one after the other. Justus Weigand, Mats Grambusch and Mortiz Ludwig with all of them being field goals.
• Wellen enters the circle fiercely without being marked and passes the ball to Marco Miltkau, who fails to shoot it in.

THIRD QUARTER

• The hooter goes off and Japan has one quarter to make the difference.
• Gonzalo finally scores a goal after consecutive penalty corners. Germany ahead by three points.
• Wellen scores a hat-trick. The fifth of the day. Germany leads 3-1
• Germany starts with a fiery attack.

SECOND QUARTER

• Jeong Junwoo gets with the ball during a penalty corner, Gonzalo is also impacted by the rebound of the ball. Both the players are taken out as they are seen bleeding.
• Ruhr comes into the circle with an attacking intent, but is intercepted by Korean defenders.
• Wellen takes into account of the pace after receiving a speedy pass from Hinrichs andscores a brace, Germany leads 2-1

FIRST QUARTER

• Jang Jonghyun, Korea’s top scorer nicks the ball from the right side to left to equalise the scoreline with seconds to spare in the first quarter. Germany 1-1 Korea
• “Korea, Korea” chants can be heard in the audience.
• Germany gets a PC, but Peillat hits it towards a defender, who deflects the ball.
• Wellen scores Germany’s first goal of the match. Germany 1-0 Japan
• The anthems are played and the match begins.

Belgium vs Japan (Match 23)

FOURTH QUARTER

• Video referee agrees with the referee and there’s no penalty corner. The whistle blows and Belgium defats Japan 7-1
• Japan asks for a video referral for high ball inside the penalty circle.
• However, the attempt is futile.
• Simon Gougnard gets Belgium another penalty corner.
• Boon scored his fifth goal after a penalty stroke earned by Belgium. The Red Lions leads 7-1
• Nagayoshi is seen limping after he’s hit with a stick.
• Boon assists in Sébastien Dockier’s goal as Yoshikawa fails to stop another one. Belgium leads 6-1
• Belgium come into the Japanese circle via the left flank. Tom Boon scores his fourth goal as he finds the perfect angle between two Japanese defenders and the goalkeeper. Belgium leads 5-1
• Kentaro Fukuda flicks it over the ‘keeper’s head and Japan scores their first goal of the match. Belgium 4-1 Japan

THIRD QUARTER

• No goals scored this quarter either.
• Yamasaki misses yet another one as it deflects off the stick of Arthur van Doren.
• Japan charges into the Belgian circle via the left flank, but Yamasaki flicks the ball wide off as dew droplets in the field are seen flying from his shot.
• After consecutive penalty corner attempts, Japan finally manages to clear one.
• Kawahara defends as the ball comes in their circle, however, it hits the defender and PC for Belgium.
• While Belgium’s circle penetration attempts are almost thrice of that of Japan’s.
• Japan aims to equalise with what seems to be a better quarter in terms of ball possession for the Samurais.

SECOND QUARTER

• Niwa seems to have fallen down. The half-time hooter is blown and Belgium leads comfortably.
• Boon scores yet again. He scores a hat-trick. Belgium 4-0
• Tom Boon gets a brace as he flicks it easily into the goal. Belgium leads 3-0
• Yoshikawa saves John John’s attempt. Well done Japan!
• Tom Boon scores a goal after Tanaka backs off and Belgium leads 2-0
• Cédric Charlier gets space from Tanaka and makes good use of it and flicks to score a diagonal goal as Belgium leads 1-0!

FIRST QUARTER

• No goals scored in the first quarter.
• Alexander Hendrickx is seen sitting in the bench with a blue colour cloth wrapped around his right knee. The defending champions’ trusted goal scorer is out in the bench with what seemes like a niggle.
• With three minutes pending, Japan tries to attack.
• Yamasaki attempts to shoot after dodging Belgian attackers, but is met up with defended by Vanasch.
• Last time the two teams faced each other, Belgium defeated Japan 3-2

Argentina vs France (Match 22)

FOURTH QUARTER

• Consecutive PCs for Argentina. WITH THAT DELLA TORRE GETS HIS HAT-TRICK! ARGENTINA AND FRANCE DRAW 5-5 WITH LESS THAN FIVE SECONDS REMAINING!
• Etienne Tynevez falls down as della Torre, its a PENALTY STROKE FOR FRANCE AND ITS CHARLET ALL THE WAY! HE SCORES FLICKING MID LEFT. FRANCE LEADS 5-4
• France removes their goalkeeper for an extra player
• Argentina fails to make anything of the penalty corner.
• Argentina gets PC. Nicolas della Torre fails to make use of the situation. However, they get another PC.
• Martin Ferreiro, who is unmarked deflects the ball and Argentina equalises 4-4
• Argentina losses its consecutive PC conversions.
• France gets a PC, four minutes after the fourth quarter. Victor Charlet gets a hat-trick! France leads 4-3

THIRD QUARTER

• Xavier gets a green card and France plays with 10 players for two minutes.
• Nicolas della Torre equalises for Argentina as he flicks it in. Arg 3-3 Fra
• Argentina earns consecutive PCs, this time France Thieffry saves it. But there’s another PC for the Los Leones.
• France gets an open chance to score, Eliot Curty misses it by so little.
• Penalty corner for France as the ariel ball is stopped by Argentine defender. Captain Charlet scores yet again, this time, in a PC! Argentina leads for the first time in this match 3-2
• DID YOU KNOW? ARGENTINA HAS NEVER DEFEATED FRANCE IN THE HOCKEY WORLD CUP
• Argentina asks for a referral as they feel there was no contact with the player in the circle. However, the referral says otherwise. French captain Charlet scores and equalises 2-2
• Nicolas della Torre scores vs France as he flicks it past the ‘keepers and defenders. Argentina leads 2-1
• PC rewarded for France as Martin Ferreiro gives the Les Blues a chance to go past Argentina.

SECOND QUARTER

• No change in goals scored at half-time.
• Argentina’s Monja steals the ball, and the Los Leones charge into the Les Blues’ circle and scores. However, there was a back stick involved, so the goal is disallowed.
• Three minutes left and there is no difference in the scoreline.
• Matteo gets a green card for his rough tackle and France down to 10 players for two minutes.
• France earns a PC, however, it gets another PC attempt which goes wide as Charlet flicks the ball.

FIRST QUARTER

• At the end of first quarter both the team stay equal.
• Juan Catan drops down after a tackle by a French player.
• Blaise Rogeau in his 100th match helps France as Etienne Tynevez gets a slight touch on the stick. France equalises 1-1
• An early strike by Argentina as Nicolas Keenan stands in front of the goalkeeper and turns around with the ball to score his team’s goal. Argentina leads 1-0
• The two teams enter the field and sing the anthem.

MILESTONE- Blaise Rogeau will play his 100th match today!

STARTING XI FOR THE DAY!

WHAT HAPPENED THE LAST TIME THEY PLAYED EACH OTHER?

France defeated Argentina 2-0 in the 2021-22 FIH Hockey Pro League.

Australia vs South Africa (Match 21)

FOURTH QUARTER

• Whistle blows and Australia defeats South Africa easily 9-2.
• Tevin Kok scores after angling the ball and stick as Durst comes forward to stop it but fails to do so. Australia leads comfortably 9-2
• South Africa gets two penalty corners as the ball is pushed out from the Aussie circle.
• Ntuli gets a green card and South Africa one player down for two minutes.
• Tim Brand scores Australia’s ninth goal near placing himself near the goal post to score off a rebound.
• Penalty corner for South Africa, however, Beaucham hits one wide from the post.

THIRD QUARTER

• A better performance by the Ama Stokke Stokke (South Africa hockey team’s nickname) when compared to the first two quarters.
• South Africa gets an opening, however is unable to connect.
• Back stick touch by South Africa leads to Penalty Corner for Australia. However, this time, Govers isn’t able to get past the ‘keeper.
• Yellow card for Nicholas Spooner and South Africa is one player down for five minutes .
• PENALTY CORNER AS SOON AS THE AUSSIES TAKE CHARGE. AND YES! IT’S ANOTHER GOAL WITH JEREMY HAYWARD FLICKING IT TO THE RIGHT CORNER OF THE ‘KEEPER! Australia leads 8-1

SECOND QUARTER

• Another goal for Australia. This time off a PC as Nathan Ephraums scores off a rebound. Aussie leads 7-1
• Jake Harvie scores a goal off Tim Brand’s assist. South Africa losses its referral. Australia way ahead 6-1
• Andrew Charter saves a penalty stroke as Spooner hits the Kookaburras’ keeper’s stick.
• It’s four for Govers as Beale assists from outside the circle. Australia leads 5-1
• Penalty corner turns to penalty stroke and goal as Blake Govers scores hat-trick. Australia leads 4-1
• DID YOU KNOW? SOUTH AFRICA IS YET TO DEFEAT AUSTRALIA

FIRST QUARTER

• Govers flicks the ball off a PC and places it between the South African defender and the goalkeeper. Australia leads 3-1
• Tom Craig attempts and fails to score twice including once off the rebound as Cassiem saves.
• Zalewski makes good use of the video referral as a penalty corner by South Africa is disallowed.
• Tom Craig steals the ball and hits a tomahawk as he hits it on the left side of the goal as the ‘keeper comes forward. Australia 2-1
• South Africa equalises as Ntuli scores after receiving an ariel ball and smashes it diagonally into the goal.
• Advantage Australia as they charge in the South African circle. but misses another goalscoring attempt.
• Blake Govers scores first goal inside three and a half minutes. as Sharp attempts a flick but fails against Cassiem and Govers takes advantage and deflects the rebound. Australia leads 1-0
• Australia takes the ball for the start, but South Africa intercept.
• The two teams anthem is played.

MILESTONE CELEBRATION BEFORE THE ANTHEM! TIM HOWARD PLAYS HIS 100TH GAME FOR AUSTRALIA

HERE’S THE STARTING XI

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME THE TWO TEAMS FACED OFF?

The two teams faced each other in the Commonwealth Games where Australia trounced over South Africa 3-0.

Indian women’s hockey team continues winning streak, beats South Africa 4-0

While the men’s team continues its battle to enter the quarters, the Indian women’s hockey team beat South Africa 4-0 in its third match to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the four-match series - READ

Hockey World Cup: ‘Daddy’ Niklas Wellen’s ‘crazy moment’ during Germany’s clash against Belgium

As we warm up for today’s action , here’s the story of a new dad. Germany’s Niklas Wellen went into the game vs Belgium knowing his wife was in labour. His goal leveled scores at HT and he returned to photos of his newborn son waiting for him - READ

POOL A PREVIEW-

Argentina, Australia to battle it out for Pool A supremacy (Y. B Sarangi)

Following its great escape against Argentina, Australia will pay attention to its defence even while trying to record a big-margin win over South Africa and finish atop Pool-A in the Hockey World Cup at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Friday.

With the teams moving in here for their remaining pool matches, Argentina, which is tied on four points with Australia but is at the second place on goal difference, will look to overcome a strong challenge from a spirited France by maintaining its intensity.

The Kookaburras faced the heat against a well-structured Argentina before relying on Blake Govers’ individual brilliance to manage a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Against South Africa, Australia – comprising other competent players such as Eddie Ockenden, Tom Craig, Jake Whetton, Jeremy Hayward and Aran Zalewski – will go full steam ahead.

“We played South Africa in the Commonwealth Games and we played them recently. We know enough about them. They are a good counter-attacking team,” said Australia coach Colin Batch on Thursday.

South Africa will be keen to give its best even though young midfielder Senzwesihle Nagubane, who injured his lower lip during a training session, is likely to miss the action.

Argentina will take heart from its sensational performance against World No.1 Australia and will try to check a young French side, which posted a fine 2-1 victory over South Africa.

Apart from stopping the dashing French attackers, the South Americans will have to guard against well-built drag-flicker and France captain Victor Charlet, who can unleash some power-packed flicks.

While experienced hands Matias Rey and Agustin Mazzilli provide stability in defence and midfield, an efficient forward line consisting of Maico Cassella, Lucas Toscani and Michael Ferreiro give Argentina the advantage.

“France is a good side. Our defence will be tight against them,” said Argentina coach Mariano Ronconi.

Where to watch the 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup matches live?

The 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup matches will be telecast live on Star Sports First, Star Sports Select 2 HD, Star Sports Select 2 SD. The same will be streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar.

RELATED HOCKEY WORLD CUP COVERAGE

• Hockey World Cup 2023: India schedule, fixtures, date and time, squad, live streaming info
• Who are the five international stars to look out for in FIH WC in Odisha?
• What are the FIH rankings of teams ahead of men’s WC?
• Complete squad list of all 16 teams
• Which team has won the most Hockey World Cup titles?
• Hockey World Cup: All you need to know about the WC trophy
• Who are the top goal scorers at every men’s WC since 1971
• Complete list of men’s WC winners from 1971 to 2018
• Full fixtures list, knockouts, dates, time and venues in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela