Champions Hollanders overcome Malaysia 5-2 in the final, Oman earn third position
Adil Al Balushi
Muscat (Oman): Netherlands outclassed Malaysia 5-2 in the final of the first FIH Men's Hockey5s World Cup at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat Muscat, Oman 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 playoff 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 hey 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 patient in all the matches of this globe event," coach added
Sami Awadh, Oman team's Capitan, expressed his joy with a historic bronze medal. "Thanks to all the fans who came to support us during the couple days ago. A special thanks to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and to OHA officials for their continuous support to the team. It is great moments to be in third place at world level in a major globe 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 ended
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 Dr. Marwan al Juma, chairman of OHA. The medals delivered to the runners up and third placed in the final ceremony by HE Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Undersecretary for Sports and Youth at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Shaikh Khalid Mohammed al Zubair, Oman Olympic Committee Chairman (OOC). The final ceremony was attended by several sporting figures, top dignitaries and officials.
Back to the third and fourth playoff match, Oman's goals netted by Rashad al Fazari (7), Aiman Madit (16) and Fahad al Lawati (26) while the rivals Poland goals struck by Jarzembowski Damian (14) and Hołosyniuk Jakub (25). Oman's goalie Fahad al Noufali showed top game after his brilliant saves.
In the final game, the Netherlands dominated the first half as they pumped three goals in the first quarter by Van Der Drift Yannick (1, 13) from corner goal and field goal and Reyenga Pepijn (6). Tow goals were struck in the second half through De Wijn Sander (26) and Van Aart Jamie (28) to lift the title. The opponent Malaysian team managed to score two goals in both half's through Anuar Akhimullah (2) and Omar Mohammad (16).
