New Zealand men and Spain women will have the chance to play in the 2024/25 FIH Hockey Pro League after beating France and Ireland respectively to win the FIH Hockey Nations Cup.
New Zealand, relegated from last season’s Pro League, beat France 4-3 in a shoot-out after the final finished 1-1 in normal time.
They went ahead after 53 minutes from Hugo Inglis’ brilliance on the right before finding Jonty Elmes, who volleyed it in. France hit back with three minutes remaining through Victor Charlet, who fired in a penalty corner.
Leon Hayward starred in the shoot-out with saves against Timothée Clément and Brieuc Delemazure.
South Africa won the bronze medal after an entertaining 4-3 win over Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Spain defeated Ireland 2-0 to lift the Women’s Nations Cup.
Laia Vidosa and Patricia Alvarez combined well to open the scoring in the 25th minute before Lola Riera found the net from a first-half PC and finished as top scorer.
Ireland created chances to win two penalty corners in the third and fourth quarter but couldn’t find a way past Clara Perez.
Chile won the bronze medal with a 2-1 win over New Zealand.
Men’s Standings
- New Zealand
- France
- South Africa
- Pakistan
- Canada
- Korea
- Malaysia
- Austria
- Poland
Women’s Standings
- Spain
- Ireland
- Chile
- New Zealand
- Japan
- Canada
- Italy
- Korea
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