Dutch storm past Great Britain to reach hockey final

In the second game played under lights today, Argentina beat India 2-1.

What is notable is that both the Men’s and Women’s hockey teams of India came to the semi-finals and lost both the matches. The London 2012 Silver Medallists now have a shot at Olympic Gold after an impressive comeback saw them overcome a spirited Indian team.

India went to the lead with a goal from Gurjit Kaur, ending the first quarter with a slender 1-0 advantage.

However, Las Leonas stormed back, with Captain Noel Barrionuevo scoring twice to give the team a 2-1 lead they would never relinquish.

It was a disappointing end to India, who – despite putting in a strong semi-final performance – now faces Great Britain in the Bronze Medal match.

But for Argentina’s Leonas, the win keeps the dream of a historic Gold Medal alive as they prepare to take on the Netherlands. Argentina has a strong track record at the Olympic Games, having won both Silver and Bronze on two occasions. However, they will have their work cut out for them against a freewheeling Netherlands team who beat Great Britain 5-1 in today’s early semi-final.

In yesterday’s Men’s semi-finals, India’s Gold Medal hopes were shattered when they lost to Belgium 2-5.

In the second semi final, Australia beat Germany 3-1. Belgium will now meet Australia in the Men’s hockey final under lights tomorrow. In the Bronze Medal match to be played prior to that, India will take on Germany.

On Friday’s Women’s hockey medal matches, India will meet Great Britain in the Bronze medal matches followed by the flood-lit Gold Medal match between the Netherlands and Argentina.