The final between Australia and Belgium at the Rabobank Hockey World League tournament in Rotterdam lived up to expectations as Belgium claimed the first-ever title at the event in a dramatic nine-round shootout victory.
It was only when Chris Ciriello shot wide on the final Australian chance that the game was decided and Belgium could celebrate it first-ever title at a top-level FIH event. It was a battle throughout the 70 minutes with neither team giving the other much breathing space.
The win gives the ninth-ranked Belgians their first-ever victory at a top-tier FIH event, a true feather in the cap for the country, which has shot up the FIH World Ranking and enjoyed massive success in the last few years. It is also a major momentum builder for the Belgians for the EuroHockey Championship, which they will host.