Lausanne, Switzerland (SB Report):-Despite all the challenges connected with the COVID-19 global health pandemic, 2021 was still an incredible year for the sport of Hockey, a year which deserves to be celebrated like any other.
With some truly extraordinary moments taking place at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, FIH Hockey Pro League and a Men’s Junior World Cup, restricting our categories to just ten nominees for the Best Goal and the Best Match of 2021 was far from simple.
Nominees – Favourite Goal of 2021
1: Nicolas Keenan (ARG). Argentina Men v Japan (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A stunning run and overhead smash-shot from the top of the circle slams the backboard.
2: Timm Herzbruch (GER). Germany Men v Argentina (Quarter-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: An outrageously intricate penalty corner routine from Die Honamas, bewildering the Argentine defence for Herzbruch to deflect home.
3: Agustina Albertarrio (ARG). Argentina Women v Germany (Quarter-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A brilliantly worked passing move is finished off by Albertarrio, who touches home from close range.
4: Tim Brand (AUS). Australia Men v Germany (Semi-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Kookaburras superstar Brand volleys home a vicious cross-shot from Ogilvie, who was picked out in the circle by a glorious overhead pass that eliminated the Germany defenders. (3 August)
5: Berta Bonastre (ESP). Spain Women v Great Britain (Quarter-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Pouncing from close range, Bonastre takes two magnificent touches to lift the ball over the head of Maddie Hinch and into the GB goal.
6: Dayaan Cassiem (RSA). South Africa Men v Belgium (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Incredible solo effort against the World and eventual Olympic champions, running half the length of the field in possession before flicking past the shoulder of goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch.
7: Lidewij Welten (NED). Netherlands Women v Germany (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A fine passing move carves through the Germany team before Welten taps home from close range.
8: Kenta Tanaka (JPN). Japan Men v New Zealand (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Pacey Samurais attacker Tanaka runs three quarters of the lengths of the field in possession before sensationally firing home.
9: Hollie Pearne-Webb (GBR). Great Britain Women v India (Bronze) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A rare field goal from GB’s captain, smashing home a superb first-time volley to put her team on course for the bronze medal.
10: Stacey Michelsen (NZL) New Zealand Women v Australia - FIH Hockey Pro League: A superb solo goal from the Black Sticks legend, cutting in from the right before crashing a stunning backhand strike inside the right post.
Nominees – Favourite Match of 2021
1: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Men’s Pool B – South Africa 4-3 Germany
2: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Quarter-Final – Germany 0-3 Argentina
3: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Quarter-Final – Australia 0-1 India
4: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Men’s Bronze Medal – Germany 4-5 India
5: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Bronze Medal – Great Britain 4-3 India
6: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Men’s Gold Medal – Australia 1-1 Belgium (2-3 ASO)
7: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Gold Medal – Netherlands 3-1 Argentina
8: FIH Hockey Pro League: Men – Netherlands 2-4 Germany
9: FIH Hockey Pro League: Women – Argentina 1-3 Germany
10: FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021: Pool phase – France 4-3 India
