The Netherlands are by far the most successful hockey nation in the world for women. This supremacy has again underlined the country at this year's World Cup in London: The Netherlands managed to defend the title and are thus for the eighth time world champion.
Even in the final itself, the nation demonstrated its clear superiority. The 6-0 against Ireland meant the highest final victory in the history of the competition. The goals were scored by Lidewij Welten (7th minute), Kelly Jonker (19th), Kitty van Male (28th), Malou Pheninckx (30th), Marloes Keetels (32nd) and Caia van Maasakker (34th).
Thus, the Netherlands surpassed its own record from 1986: At that time, the country had won 3-0 in the final against Germany. For the men, Australia holds the record against the Netherlands by a 6-1 on four years ago.
Greatest success of World Cup history for Ireland
Ireland was surprisingly drawn to the final in London. With the second place celebrates the world ranking 16. his by far biggest success of the World Cup history. The nation's best result was an eleventh place in Dublin in 1994. Spain had secured third place by beating Australia 3-1 (2-0). For the world ranking Eleventh, it was also the best World Cup performance and also the first victory against the Australians.
In the semi-final, the Netherlands had yet to shake: they won in the rematch of the World Cup final of the previous final against Australia only in the penalty shootout 3: 1. The Irish also only defeated Spain in Shootout 3: 2.
The German women had already failed on Wednesday in the quarterfinals by a 0: 1 (0: 0) surprising to Spain. Due to the first place in the preliminary group C, the Olympic third finished the tournament automatically in fifth place - and is still waiting for his first World Cup medal for 20 years.