It was a sea of orange Dutch delight when the final whistle sounded at the NWU Astroturf in Potchefstroom on Tuesday, 12 April as the Netherlands’ u.21 national hockey team were crowned world champions.

A 3-1 win against rivals Germany in the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup final was the perfect ending for these Dutch ladies who outplayed everyone during a fantastic tournament that was hosted by the North West University from 1-12 April.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

Danique van der Veerdonk scored the opening goal for the Dutch to get their World Cup trophy ambitions underway.

Germany proved to be their toughest opponent as they had to fight for the win, especially after Germany scored the first goal against them in the competition to draw the scores level at 1-1. It was this goal from Sophia Schwabe that put the Germans right back in the match. The Netherlands red headed goal poacher, Tessa Beetsma, proved to be her country’s hero when she slotted two goals in the second half.

The Netherlands’ scored an amazing 49 goals during the tournament. Jip Dicke with 13 goals was named as the World Cup’s top scorer. Parents and family of the players also attended the event and creating a great atmosphere for the final. The emotion after the win was plain for all to see.

England took third place in the tournament after a 3-0 win on penalty after their match against India ended in a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Hosts, South Africa, ended the tournament in seventh position after beating the USA 3-2 in a playoff match. A number of South African players made their mark with Onthatile Zulu, Hanrie Louw, Edith Molikoe, Jean-Leigh du Toit and Christa Ramasimong, being some of the standout players.

The future looks bright for SA women’s hockey after this performance and the key factor will now be to build on from this towards the senior level.

Credit must also be given to Sheldon Rostron (head of the Local Organising Committee) as well as his team and everyone who a played a part for a brilliantly organised FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup.

See more World Cup hockey news here:

https://www.citizen.co.za/potchefstroom-herald/105346/sa-in-seventh-heaven-after-3-2-victory-against-usa-in-junior-womens-hockey-world-cup/

https://www.citizen.co.za/potchefstroom-herald/105238/korea-defeat-sees-sa-to-take-on-usa-for-7-8-spot-in-world-cup/

https://www.citizen.co.za/potchefstroom-herald/105149/netherlands-too-good-for-gutsy-south-africa-in-junior-hockey-world-cup-quarter-final/

https://www.citizen.co.za/potchefstroom-herald/104883/argentina-and-korea-through-to-last-8-at-junior-womens-hockey-world-cup/

https://www.citizen.co.za/potchefstroom-herald/104707/sa-through-to-quarter-finals-of-junior-hockey-world-cup-after-beating-ireland-1-0/

https://www.citizen.co.za/potchefstroom-herald/104630/india-beat-germany-at-hockey-world-cup-action-heats-up/

https://www.citizen.co.za/potchefstroom-herald/104565/sa-go-down-3-0-to-england-in-exciting-world-cup-opener-in-potch/