With the pool stages complete and with the latter stages already getting underway, here are a few things that caught my eye at the Hockey World Cup, since the opening weekend. Some good, some quirky and some attempt at “analysis.” So here we go.

Setting the tone.

Pakistan vs India was billed as a mouth-watering clash and to be honest, it didn’t let us down. It was a hell of a game. But I did really enjoy this about five minutes in. Ammad Butt on Suhkjeet Singh. A little bit naughty but quite funny. 

England men on a roll.

Played three, won three, scored 16, conceded five, England’s men are on a great run and have certainly turned some heads. They’ve scored some cracking goals and played some lovely hockey. With the way the next pool stage works, carrying in three points to begin with could be absolutely vital and the way things are going, they have a very good chance of getting on the podium.

Netherlands women

It’s terrifying how good they are. Not a hot take, certainly not searing insight, but they look unstoppable. What a team.

De Sloover the comedian.

I’m sure like me, you enjoy the little poses and things the players do when they’re running through the starting line ups pre-match. I think Arthur De Sloover’s may be my favourite so far. A little going down the stairs routine. Wonderful. More of this please.

Welsh Dragon.
It might not have gone to plan on the pitch but you can’t fault the commitment of the Wales fans. I bet it was WARM in there. Fair play, solid effort.

A simple game.

Sometimes, hockey can be made to look very simple and very easy. Here is an example of that from the Dutch Men’s team. Superb.

What. A. Goal.

Is this the best goal you’ve ever seen? It has to be a contender. South Africa’s Kenton Melville with an outrageous piece of improvisation. Like an overhead kick in football. Absolutely magnificent.

Xan De Waard.

Xan De Waard is one of the best players I’ve ever seen and an absolute joy to watch. She’s retiring after this tournament and although the Dutch machine will keep rolling on even after she’s gone, I for one think the game will be poorer when she stops. What a player.

Just keep it out.

Doesn’t matter how you keep it out, as long as you keep it out.

Brilliant Buchanan.

Jess Buchanan is a keeper I have a hell of a lot of time for. I really enjoyed this save. Gets down really well, strong touch and a lovely celebration afterwards. Great stuff.

There you have it, the latest World Cup round up, hopefully I’ll have time for another early next week!