Hockey World Cup Highlights: Germany defeat Japan 3-0, Belgium thrash South Korea 5-0, Netherlands and NewZealand clinch victories: Watch Highlights

A traditional welcome of the New Zealand Hockey team to the World Cup Village at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HWC2023 #StarsBecomeLegends @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @FIH_Hockey pic.twitter.com/R5Md6gWGwb

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 7, 2023

New Zealand vs Chile 

In the opening match of the day, Sam Hiha (11th, 18th minutes) scored two field goals in the opening two quarters, while Sam Lane opened the account for the Black Sticks with another field strike in the ninth minute. Chile’s lone goal came from the stick of Ignacio Contardo in the 49th minute.

In the other match of Pool C, Thijs van Dam scored a field goal in the 19th minute to hand world no.3 Netherlands, who won the title in 1973, 1990 and 1998, the lead before Jip Janssen converted a penalty stroke four minutes later.

Teun Beins (46th) made it 3-0 for the Netherlands by converting a penalty corner a minute into the fourth and final quarter, while Jorrit Croon scored the final goal a minute before the final hooter.

Netherlands vs Malaysia

The Dutchman are atop Pool C on account of better goal difference than New Zealand, who also have three points from the win.

While Netherlands and New Zealand will lock horns in their next pool match on Monday, Malaysia will take on Chile on the
same day.

Later in the day, reigning world champions Belgium will be up against Korea, while World No.4 Germany will take on Japan in Pool B matches in Bhubaneswar.

We’re all set for the @FIH_Hockey 🏑#HockeyWorldCup2023 that begins tomorrow in Odisha 🇮🇳!

Our @BELRedLions will defend their title after winning the World Cup (2018) and Olympic Games (2021). We can’t wait for them to lift the 🏆!

Let’s #RoarTogether for the Red Lions! 🦁🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/thUtO8L4Q6

— Belgium in India (@BelgiuminIndia) January 12, 2023

Belgium vs Korea

Defending Champions Belgium are set to begin their title defence. They face South Korea in the their first group match. They have 17 players, who won the title in the last edition. The team led by Felix Denayer finished as runner-up in the Pro League in June. The No.2 side are entering the tournament with full form and look to start their campaign with a dominant victory.

South Korea enter the World Cup after missing out the 2018 edition. They mostly rely on players like jang Jonghyun, Lee Namyong and Lee Seung. All these three players are experienced but are over 35 years of age. They last faced Belgium six years ago. The East Asians will look to put on a good show against the defending champion.

World No.4 Germany eye their third World Cup title. The team coached by Andre Henning has roped in some young bloods into the team. As many as eight players from the squad have less than 50 caps. Despite a bit of inexperience, their recent results have been outstanding.

The  team led by Mats Grambusch defeated defending champions Belgium 3-2 in Pro League in November. The young team aim to continue their form and eye a big win against Japan in their opening match.

Japan last featured in the World Cup in 2006. They have finally made the cut after 17 years. However they are placed in a tough group that has Belgium and Germany. They had poor outings in their matches during the build-up to the World Cup by losing against teams like South Korea and Malaysia. They will face a tough time against Germany in their opener.

Where to watch Hockey World Cup matches 2023 LIVE streaming? 

Starsports Network will broadcast all the Hockey World Cup 2023 matches LIVE. The matches can also be watched LIVE on Disney+Hotstar and Watch Hockey App.

Hockey World Cup Highlights: Germany defeat Japan 3-0, Belgium thrash South Korea 5-0, Netherlands and NewZealand clinch victories: Watch Highlights