Netherlands men & women take the titles inĀ Leipzig
Germany men & Czech Republic women claimĀ Bronze medals
Sell-out crowds watch the action at ArenaĀ Leipzig
The Netherlands haveĀ achieved a dazzling double success at the Indoor Hockey World Cup, with both the menās and womenāsĀ national teams winning the Gold medals in front of aĀ sell-out crowd at the Arena Leipzig in Germany.
The Dutch women took their title in dramatic style,Ā defeating host nation Germany in a shoot-out in front of aĀ passion-filled audience. A late goal from Claire VerhageĀ cancelled out a lead that Germany held for the majority of aĀ pulsating match, with Netherlands keeper Adinda AlbertsĀ making three saves in the shoot-out to give the NetherlandsĀ the title and break the hearts of the host nation in theĀ process.Ā
Regarding her teamās shoot-out success, NetherlandsĀ shot-stopper Adina Alberts said: āWe practicedĀ shoot-outs and watched how the men did it against GermanyĀ yesterday. We tried to copy it and it worked forĀ us.ā
The Netherlands men took their Gold medal with a stunningĀ 3-2 triumph against Austria. Goals from Bjorn Kellerman,Ā team captain Robert Tigges and Robbert van de Peppel provedĀ to be enough, although two dramatic penalty corner savesĀ from Goalkeeper of the Tournament Laurens Goedegeburre moreĀ than played their part in the success.Ā
The final saveĀ sparked wild celebrations from the Dutch players, knowingĀ that they had won their first indoor world title at theĀ expense of their devastated Austrian opponents.
Netherlands captain Robert Tigges was overjoyed with theĀ victory, singling out Goedegeburre for special praise.
“Our goalie was amazing throughout the tournament. IĀ still cannot believe that we have won it, I feel like I amĀ living a dream. To win a tournament like this you need toĀ have all of the luck on your side, and that is what weĀ Ā had.āĀ
Earlier in the day, Czech Republic women took the BronzeĀ medal by defeating Austria, with Germanyās menĀ delighting the mammoth home crowd with a victory overĀ surprise nation Iran.
Individual Award Winners
Women
Top Scorer: Denise Admiraal (NED) ā 13 goals
Player of the Tournament: Katharina Otte (GER)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Yvonne Frank (GER)
Junior Player of the Tournament: Anne Schrƶder (GER)
Men
Top Scorer: Alexander Otte (GER) ā 19 goals.
Player of the Tournament: Benjamin Stanzl (AUT)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Laurens Goedegebuure (NED)
Talent of the Tournament: Timm Herzbruch (GER)
