Netherlands secure historic Olympic hockey double

The Netherlands overcame an almighty scare to retain their Olympic title in the women’s hockey by beating China on penalties in the final.

The Dutch were the overwhelming favourites having thrashed China 3-0 in the group stages, but were nine minutes away from missing out on gold before Yibbi Jansen equalised with a drag flick.

The match finished 1-1, and the current world and European champions dominated the shootout with Dutch keeper Anne Veenendaal making three saves in a 3-1 win.

It means the Netherlands have now won four of the past five Olympic titles – the one exception being a silver medal in 2016 – and the Dutch became the first nation to win two hockey golds at the same Games after the men’s team won their final on penalties on Thursday.

China, who matched their best hockey finish at a Games when they lost to the Dutch at Beijing 2008, opened the scoring in the first quarter when Chen Yi deflected in Dan Wen’s pass across goal.

The Dutch had also hit the post in the second quarter through Frederique Malta’s drag flick.

In the bronze medal match, Argentina defeated Belgium 3-1 on penalties after the game finished 2-2 after 60 minutes.

Sofia Cairo scored the winning penalty against a Belgium side who were playing in only their second Olympics, as goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino saved three shootout attempts.

Belgium took the lead early on through Emma Puvrez before Agustina Gorzelany equalised seven minutes into the second quarter.

Argentina went ahead through Agustina Albertarrio, before Belgium’s Justine Rasir levelled the scores and her side defended resolutely for the rest of the game.