Tuesday 6 August is men’s semi-finals day at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium, with Germany, India, the Netherlands and Spain all just one win away from reaching the gold medal match at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
With Belgium and Australia – respective gold and silver medallists from Tokyo 2020 – eliminated in the quarter-finals, the final will feature different teams to those that took to the field in Japan three years ago. The unpredictability of the men’s competition makes it almost impossible to guess which two teams will make it. The answers will be revealed in the matches themselves.
We take a quick look at the men’s semi-finals.
Netherlands vs Spain – 14:00 CEST
The two rivals from Pool B go head-to-head for the second time in five days, with the Netherlands having taken a 5-3 victory on Friday (2 August) after Spain had led 2-0. The result helped the Oranje to a second-place finish in the pool, with Spain being classified in fourth. That being siad, a lot can change in a few days. The Netherlands, Olympic champions at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, will feel rightly confident after their hard fought 2-0 quarter-final win against Australia. However, Spain’s stunning 3-2 triumph over reigning Olympic champions Belgium – who themselves recorded a 6-2 win over the Kookaburras in the pool phase – means that they are also feeling pretty good about themselves right now. Head coach Max Caldas will ensure that the Red Sticks – who have three Olympic silver medals but have never won gold – are as prepared as possible for a monumental clash against the team he coached from 2014 to 2020.
Player perspectives
Jorrit Croon (NED): “We know Spain is a tough opponent, a really tough one. At this level, details matter and the margins are so small. Spain showed that they are a really good team, so we are going to prepare ourselves for a tough opponent.”
Marc Miralles (ESP): “I’m feeling so confident right now. Yes, the sky’s the limit, but we have to be very careful with what we say and how we feel. I’m sure everyone when they win the quarter-final, they will feel the same.”
Germany vs India – 19:00 CEST
Germany have been impressive performers here in Paris, winning Pool A before overcoming a strong challenge from Argentina in the quarter-finals. The four times Olympic gold medallists are determined to claim the title for a fifth time, their most recent win coming at London 2012. Tokyo 2020 was the first time Die Honamas had failed to secure a medal since Sydney 2000, missing out on bronze to their semi-final opponents here in Paris. Eight-times Olympic gold medallists India have been outstanding so far at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, with their against-all-odds win against Great Britain, despite having been a player short for 43 minutes, being one of the most incredible stories of these Olympic Games. They are two wins away from ending their 44 year wait for a ninth gold medal, but Germany will do everything in their power to stop the Asian powerhouse.
Player perspectives
Christopher Rühr (GER): “India is going to be a hell of a game. they got the red card and worked their way through to the shootout, which is extraordinary. And yeah, we’ve got to be there. And if we were there, we’re going to win, but we got to show up.”
Manpreet Singh (IND): “We are really proud (to reach the final four), but last time we lost the semi-final (against Belgium). This time we want to win and whoever comes next, we will give our best.”
Men’s Semi-finals – Tuesday 6 August 2024 (all times CEST)
14:00: Netherlands vs Spain
19:00: Germany vs India
Medal Matches – Thursday 8 August 2024
14:00: Bronze medal match
19:00: Gold medal match
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.
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