As well as winning the iconic trophy for the first time in their history, it has been confirmed that Belgium, coached by New Zealander Shane McLeod, have moved from third to first position in the FIH World Rankings.

The heart-breaking defeat in the final left three-time champions Netherlands settle with the silver medal for the fourth time. Overall, this was the ninth World Cup medal for Netherlands, who won their three gold in 1973, 1990, 1998; previous three silver in 1978, 1994, 2014 and two bronze medals in 2002 and 2010.

Belgium defender Arthur Van Doren was named as the Best Player of the Tournament, being presented his award by Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Dutch duo Pirmin Blaak and Thijs van Dam were also winners of individual awards, being named Best Goalkeeper and Best Junior Player respectively. The Top Scorer Award was shared by Australia’s Blake Govers and Alexander Hendrickx of Belgium with seven goals apiece.

Spain claimed the Fair Play Award, while the award for Most Goals by a Team went to Australia. There was another for Best Goal Celebration of the Tournament, which was given to host India. Belgium`s Arthur van Doren picked up abother award as the Fans Choice Player of the Tournament.

The Dutch took a 2-0 lead in the shoot-out of the final match thanks to strikes from Jeroen Hertzberger and Jonas de Geus. But goals from Florent Van Aubel and Victor Wegnez, combined with some brilliant saves from Vanasch, restored parity for Belgiumd at 2-2. When Thijs van Dam missed, Arthur de Sloover thought he had won the title for Belgium when he fired home, but his effort was ruled out by a smart video referral from the Netherlands.

However, Belgium did not have long to wait for their moment in the sun. When Florent Van Aubel scored in sudden-death, Jeroen Hertzberger needed to find the net to keep his team alive. However, it was not to be, with Vanasch forcing the brilliant Dutch attacker wide before his shot sailed over the cross-bar.

Whilst it was heartbreak for the Netherlands, who had suffered defeat in a second successive World Cup final, the triumph for the Red Lions will be forever remembered as one of the greatest moments the history of Belgian team sport.

RESULTS:

Dec 16 (Match No 36, Final): Belgium beat Netherlands 3-2 in shootout (Full time 0-0). Shootout: Belgium (Florent van Aubel, Victor Wegnez, Florent van Aubel) beat Netherlands (Jeroen Hertzberger, Jonas de Geus). PoM: Vincent Vanasch (Belgium).
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TOP: Players of World Cup champions Belgium team celebrate with the trophy in Bhubaneswar on December 16, 2018.
RIGHT: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal and FIH president Dr Narendra Dhruv Batra hand over the World Cup trophy to Belgium captain Thomas Briels in Bhubaneswar on December 16, 2018.