Paris, France – Day 1: Reigning men’s world champions Germany stole the headlines on the opening day of the hockey competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 thanks to an impressive victory over host nation France at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. There were also wins for the men’s teams of Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and India, while the women of Argentina and the Netherlands also prevailed on a rainy but hugely entertaining day.
More information on today’s matches can be found below.
Men’s Pool A
Germany, Great Britain and the Netherlands opened their respective Olympic campaigns with victories, getting early points on the board in the race to reach the quarter finals.
Great Britain claimed a 4-0 victory against Spain, although the match was far closer than the scoreline would suggest. The Red Sticks impressed in the early stages but GB were exceptional in front of goal with Nick Park, Gareth Furlong (2) and Rupert Shipperley all on target. Park’s stunning chipped finish opened the Olympic scoring in style, with the man himself describing it as “the best goal I’ve ever scored”.
The Netherlands versus South Africa game was a thrilling encounter, with the Oranje snatching a 5-3 win thanks to strikes from Jip Janssen (2), Jonas de Geus, Tjep Hoedemakers and Duco Telgenkamp. “We were happy with the first half, we played very well and were strong defensively but the second half was a bit messy”, said double goal-scorer Janssen. “South Africa have some very good players (who are) world class, so you can never underestimate them.”
Germany stormed to an 8-2 victory over host nation France, with the packed stands creating an astonishing atmosphere. Germany were ruthless in front of goal, with Justus Weigand and Niklas Wellen both scoring doubles alongside contributions from Thies Prinz and a goal each for captain Mats Grambusch and his younger brother Tom. “It’s an awesome start, it’s definitely how we wanted to start the tournament”, said Germany’s Christopher Rühr. “Absolutely amazing atmosphere. To play France in France as a start is something you dream of, and I think we managed to play really well.”
Men’s Pool B
While Belgium, Australia and India were all recorded wins, the Pool B matches were fiercely contested.
Reigning Olympic champions Belgium were given a stern test by Ireland before emerging 2-0 winners thanks to strikes from Tom Boon and Alexander Hendrickx. Speaking after the match, Hendrickx said: “It was a good performance. It’s not our best performance, but it’s logical that we want to grow during the tournament, to do each game better and better. It’s a good base to start on.”
Blake Govers scored a stunning penalty corner drag-flick as Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Australia battled to a hard earned 1-0 victory over Rio 2016 gold medallists Argentina. Govers was full of praise for Los Leones, stating: “We know the Argentinians are a really good outfit, they defend really well. We got a couple more chances, but we’re pretty happy. It’s the Olympics, so a win is a good result.”
The India versus New Zealand clash was another tight affair, with Harmanpreet Singh’s late penalty stroke sealing a 3-2 win for the eight times Olympic champions. Talking about how he kept his nerve from the penalty spot, Harmanpreet said: “It’s a mental thing. You need to stay focused and just go for it. I tried to manipulate the goalie with my eyes and it worked, but the win is all because of the team.”
Women’s Pool A
Yibbi Janssen scored four times as the Netherlands opening their Olympic title defence with a 6-2 triumph over host nation France. However, it was still a memorable moment for the Olympic debutants, with Yohanna L’Hopital and Paola Le Nindre sending the home fans into raptures with goals against the reigning Olympic, World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions. Although proud moments for the home favourites, it was the Oranje who made the perfect start as they bid to claim their fifth Olympic gold medal.
Women’s Pool B
Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Argentina were 4-1 winners in their Pan American derby match against USA, with Rocio Sanchez – Argentina’s flagbearer in Friday’s dazzling opening ceremony – Agustina Gorzelany, Julieta Jankunas and Zoe Diaz netting for Las Leonas. Commenting on the support of the Argentina fans in the stadium, Maria Campoy – who made her 100th appearance for her country – said: “You can feel the chants and the support. Argentines are always everywhere, and they support us a lot.”
Match information and statistics can be found by clicking here.
Numerous high-profile figures came to watch their teams in action at Yves-du-Manoir, with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgian Royal Family and Mr. Alexandre De Croo and Mr Simon Harris, the respective Prime Ministers of Belgium and Ireland, also in attendance. King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, Princess Catharina-Amalia and Princess Alexia of the Netherlands watched their men’s team triumph against South Africa.
The Paris 2024 Olympic hockey action continues at Yves-du-Manoir on Sunday 28 July with another eight matches, four in each of the men’s and women’s competitions.
The four morning session matches are all in the women’s competition, with Belgium and China starting their Pool A campaign on Pitch 1 at 10:00 (CEST). Also in Pool A, Athens 2004 Olympic gold medallists Germany face a tricky opener against a well-drilled Japan team on Pitch 2 at 10:30. The attention switches to Pool B at 12:45 when Pitch 1 provides the stage for Australia and South Africa, the respective continental champions of Oceania and Africa. Two former Olympic champions meet in the 13:15 match on Pitch 2, with Rio 2016 gold medallists Great Britain facing Spain, winners at Barcelona 1992.
The evening session sees attention revert back to the men’s competition, with Germany men aiming for back-to-back Pool A victories when they take on Spain in the 17:00 match on Pitch 1. Belgium will also be seeking a second win on the bounce when they face Pool B rivals New Zealand on Pitch 2 at 17:30, as will the Netherlands against host nation France in the 19:45 Pool A clash on Pitch 1. Sunday’s final match of the day takes place on Pitch 2 at 20:15 with in-form Great Britain facing a swashbuckling South Africa side that impressed all onlookers on the opening day.
The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey.
Olympic Games Paris 2024 – Hockey
27 July 2024 – Day 1
Results
Men’s Pool A
Great Britain 4-0 Spain
Netherlands 5-3 South Africa
Germany 8-2 France
Men’s Pool B
Belgium 2-0 Ireland
Australia 1-0 Argentina
India 3-2 New Zealand
Women’s Pool A
Netherlands 6-2 France
Women’s Pool B
Argentina 4-1 USA
by Asia Hockey
