Olympic Hockey – Men's Gold Medal Match – Australia vs Belgium Preview & Prediction
GENERAL OVERVIEW
When is the Tokyo 2020 Olympics taking place? The Tokyo 2020 Olympics is taking take place between 23rd July, 2021 and 8th August 2021, although some preliminary events began on 21st July, 2021.
Where is the Tokyo 2020 Olympics taking place? While the vast majority of Olympic action will naturally take place in Tokyo or the surrounding areas, the likes of Yokohama, Saitama, Sendai, Kashima and Sapporo are also hosting events.
Where can I get tickets for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics? Many events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are be taking place without spectators, but not all. For full information, your best bet is to head here for the latest information.
What TV channel is the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on in the UK? Televised Olympic coverage is shared between BBC and Eurosport so it is worth checking their schedules for the full breakdown.
Where can I stream the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the UK? Unlike in previous Olympic Games, the Beeb can only show two live events at any one time, which are viewable on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app. Eurosport subscribers can stream the action on Eurosport Player, while the biggest offering is available for subscribers of discovery+, the new player in town. For those not inclined, the BBC have a highlights programme at 19:30 every evening.
EVENT OVERVIEW
What time is the Men’s Hockey final taking place? 11:00 on Thursday 5th August (UK time)
Where is the Men’s Hockey final taking place? Oi Seaside Park
Who are the reigning Olympic champions of the Men’s Hockey? Argentina
WHO ARE THE LEADING MEDAL CONTENDERS?
The two finalists are Australia and Belgium after impressive performances throughout the games from both sides.
Australia have had a few matches in which they have been held by their opposition. Their quarter-final victory over the Netherlands required a penalty shootout in which they hammered their opposition 3-0. As well as that, they were held 1-1 by Spain in the pool stage.
Belgium were also held in the pool stage. They drew 2-2 in their final match against Great Britain but they’ve sailed through their two knockout matches with a 3-1 win over Spain in the quarter-finals and the 5-2 victory over India in the semi-finals.
The men’s champions of the Hockey in 2016 will not be up for even a medal this time around after their quarter-final defeat to Germany. The women of Argentina will be going for gold, though.
TSZ’S PREDICTION
This is a contest between the number one and number two teams in the FIH world rankings so it is a fitting final. Australia are the number one team in the world and they will use their experience of having to defeat the number three team in the world, the Netherlands, as a sign that they can beat the best despite trying circumstances.
TSZ Tip: AUSTRALIA TO WIN
