Argentina won their first Olympic men's hockey gold with a 4-2 victory over Belgium thanks to a 10-minute goal blitz in the first half. The title also allowed the South Americans to match their best gold haul at a Games of three which was last achieved in 1948. Belgium, also playing in their first final, had taken the lead after just three minutes through Tanguy Cosyns. But the South Americans hit back with Pedro Ibarra, Ignacio Ortiz
and Peillat scoring in quick succession in the first quarter. Gauthier Boccard hit a sensational second for Belgium when he dribbled the ball past three defenders before finding the corner of the goal. But Augustin Mazzilli guaranteed the gold when he was allowed to tap into an empty net. In an interesting twist, the Argentine squad featured the grandson of Belgian cycling legend Eddie Merckx although Luca Masso played just six minutes of the final. Belgium's New Zealander coach Shane McLeod said his team made too many errors at crucial times. The result was still Belgium's best finish in men's hockey at an Olympics, with third place at the Antwerp Games in 1920 their previous best. Earlier, two-time defending champions Germany beat the Netherlands in a shootout for bronze after they finished level at 1-1 at the end of normal time. The bronze was particularly pleasing for Mats Grambusch who was playing alongside his brother Tom.
(SA - @19/08)
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