Tokyo: Belgium won their first Olympic man hockey title, beat Australia 3-2 in a penalty after the final finished in a 1-1 draw on Thursday.
The sides were locked in tightly fighting through many matches, with Belgium forward Florent van Aubel gave a red lion a two-minute advantage to the second round.
Australia equalized thanks to a goal by Tom Wickham, sent a match on a shootout, where Belgian goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch played a key role because Kookaburras failed to three efforts.
“We are really focused and then I do work in the end,” Vanasch said told reporters.
“I’m really happy.
I think all Belgians are proud today from the Belgian national team.” Australia, who won the Silver Medal, claimed their last Olympic title in 2004.
India took the previous bronze on Thursday after a thrilling 5-4 victory over Germany, gave the first Olympic medal country in sports since the match 1980 Moscow.
India forward Simranjeet Singh scored two goals, including the winner.
“This is a dream come true,” Simranjeet said.
“We have made 1.3 billion Indians proud of finishing on the podium.” The rich goal was not easy for the Olympic champions eight times.
Germany led early through the second minute goal by East Oraz, and submitted a threat to India in the first quarter.
After Simranjeet equated with backhand shots, Germany guarded cool, scored two goals to lead 3-1 in the second quarter.
But India pulled the level in the quarter thanks to goals by Hardik Singh and Harmanpreet Singh, making it 3-3 in the first round.
India led 5-3 after Rupinder Pal Singh squadged in the penalty stroke and Simranjeet scored his winning goal shortly to the second round.
Germany got one goal back and tried to force an equalizer, even took their goalkeeper to bring extra players but they could not beat Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh Paratttu Raveendran who made nine rescue in the match.
Belgium claimed the first gold on men’s hockey after a raw victory over Australia
