Shootouts are always the most entertaining part of the game as fans are on the edge of their seats praying for their team to get over the line. The players must be under immense pressure to convert their chances so that the team gets an edge over the opponents.We have seen many wonderful shootouts over the years, here are few of the best ones.
#5 Spain V New Zealand - 5/6 place - Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014
Spain and New Zealand were playing for pride after failing to make it to the semifinal stages of the World Cup. New Zealand opened the shootout and scored with lots of tricks. Spain equalised thanks to a classy goal by their skipper.
The Black sticks led after two shots were taken by both teams. New Zealand eventually won the match after a couple of costly misses by Argentina.
#4 India V Pakistan, Asian Games 2014 - Gold Medal match
India took on Pakistan in the final of the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon. India had earlier lost to Pakistan in the league stage by 1-0. In the final, Pakistan took the early lead, but it was neutralised minutes later. The match went to a penalty shootout and thanks to some brilliant goalkeeping from P R Sreejesh, India pulled it off 4-2 to win Asiad gold after 16 years.
#3 Argentina V New Zealand, Men\'s Hero Hockey World League Final
Argentina and New Zealand were playing for a place in the semifinal. The Black sticks took the early lead as Argentinian players missed their first two chances to score. New Zealand players were also complaining about Argentina goalkeeper bringing down their players during the shootout.
Things evened out at 1-1 after three strokes were taken by either team. It was one apiece with after four attempts by both teams. The tension was palpable in the crowd and amongst the players.
The excitement was not over as the scores were tied at 2-2 after five strokes. It was time for sudden death. Both teams scored off their first chance! Watch the video to find out who came out on top!
#2 New Zealand V England - Men\'s Hero Hockey World League Final
A place in the final awaited both these teams in this crucial match. New Zealand took the lead after both teams failed to convert their first chances. The third attempt by the Black stick saw a superb goal to go 2-0 up! However, England scored the next two and Kiwis missed theirs to make it 2-2 !!
Both teams score in their fifth attempt to make it 3-3! Sudden death would decide who makes it to the final. There was drama as both teams missed their second shot after scoring in the first one.
The match was decided on the last shot of sudden death! See who goes to the final.
#1 Australia V Belgium - Hockey World League Rotterdam
The scores were tied after five shots apiece between Australia and Belgium. Belgium changed their goalie for the shootout! Who will win in sudden death? Find out!
