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  Rio 2016: Argentina's first men's Olympic field hockey medal is gold

Rio 2016: Argentina's first men's Olympic field hockey medal is gold

AFP
Published : Aug 19, 2016, 11:49 pm IST
Updated : Aug 19, 2016, 11:49 pm IST

Argentina players celebrate after they beat Belgium 4-2 during a men's field hockey gold medal match at 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro (Photo: AP)

Usain Bolt
 Usain Bolt

Argentina players celebrate after they beat Belgium 4-2 during a men's field hockey gold medal match at 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro (Photo: AP)

Argentina won their first Olympic men’s hockey gold on Thursday 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.

“It’s like touching the sky with your hands, so I feel so happy,” said Gonzalo Peillat, who scored one of the goals to take his tally for the Games to 11.

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.

“I think maybe it’s going to help a lot in men’s hockey in Argentina,” said Mazzilli.

“The women’s team did everything really, really good the whole time (they won four gold medals).

“So we need now to increase our level in hockey in men’s so I hope everyone is watching this and we can play with more players in Argentina.”

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.

“To get an Olympic medal is probably one of the biggest things in the world, and getting a medal with your brother is indescribable,” said Mats Grambusch, who played alongside his brother Tom.

Location: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro