MUSCAT: The Netherlands thrashed Malaysia 5-2 in the final clash to emerge champions of the 2024 FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup (Oman 2024) at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat on Wednesday. The Dutch delivered an impressive show over Southeast Asian nation in the concluding clash to clinch the first ever Hockey5s trophy.
The hosts Oman finished in third place to claim historic bronze globe medal after defeating Poland 3-2 in the third and fourth play-off on Wednesday.
Oman head coach, Aikman Siegfried, affirmed that Oman national team boys had a dream in this inaugural FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup. “This dream came true after they achieved the bronze medal following their crucial triumph over Poland. It is a historic accomplishment made by the team’s heroes after they presented strong performance, determination and patience in all the matches of this global event,” the coach said.
Sami Awadh, Oman team’s captain, expressed his joy after the achievement. “Thanks to all the fans who came to support us in the tournament. A special thanks to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and to OHA officials for their continuous support to the team. It is a great moment to be in third place at world level in a major event. We worked very hard to reach in the podium. I am proud on the teammates and coaching staff’s top efforts during this event. We are looking for more accomplishments in the coming period,” he said.
Chief guest for the final, HH Sayyid Malik bin Shihab al Said handed over the trophy to the winners accompanied by Dato Tayyab Ikram, FIH President, and Oman Hockey Association Chairman Dr Marwan bin Juma al Juma in the concluding ceremony.
The medals to the runners-up and third place teams were presented by Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, Shaikh Khalid bin Mohammed al Zubair, Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee. The award ceremony was attented by several sports personalities, top dignitaries and officials.
In the third and fourth play-off match, Oman’s goals were netted by Rashad al Fazari (7th), Aiman Madit (16) and Fahad al Lawati (26) while Poland goals were struck by Jarzembowski Damian (14) and Hołosyniuk Jakub (25). Oman’s goalkeeper Fahad al Noufali showed top game with his brilliant saves.
DUTCH CONTROL
In the final, the Netherlands dominated the first half as they pumped in three goals through Van Der Drift Yannick (1, 13), who struck from a challenge and field goal while Reyenga Pepijn scored in the 6th minute. Two goals were struck in the second half through De Wijn Sander (26) and Van Aart Jamie (28) to lift the title. Malaysia scored one goal each in both halves through Anuar Akhimullah (2) and Omar Muhammad (16).
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