The stage is set. Celebrations are going on in full swing, the players are making their final preparations as the tournament starts today. Journalists from various countries are on the ground and getting great stories from the World Cup. The fans are unable to contain their excitement and are ready for the tournament. Hockey World Cup 2023 begins today.
Hockey World Cup always dishes out great games for the fans. 1998 World Cup finals saw Teun De Nooijer securing his legendary status by scoring against Spain in extra time. Chris Ciriello scored an incredible hat-trick in 2014 that led Australia rout the Dutch in the finals. Who can forget, Belgium’s run in the last World Cup and the nail-biting final?
The World Cup has always brought out the best in players from around the world. Over the years, we have seen some great performances by the likes of Jamie Dwyer, Arthur Van Doren and Shahbaz Ahmed. This World Cup also has some exciting players, who would be hoping to join the legendary group of players. Here are 5 players to look out for in the 2023 Hockey World Cup.
Dayaan Cassiem
Dayaan Cassiem is the hottest property in the world of hockey right now. The 24-year-old forward from Cape Town has been making waves in international hockey for the last couple of years. Cassiem was impressive in the FIH Nations Cup that got him best player of the tournament award. He has been in top form for South Africa since Tokyo Olympics. He was the top scorer for South Africa in Tokyo Olympics as well as 2022 Commonwealth Games. His ability to dodge and run past defenders is what makes him so dangerous for the opposition. The sort of form and confidence he carries makes him one of the top players to look out for.
Gonzalo Peillat
Gonzalo Peillat will be entering the World Cup with a point to prove. The top goal scorer of the 2014 Hockey World Cup was dropped from Argentina’s side after differences between the management. Touted to break Sohail Abbas’s record, Peillat moved to Germany and missed three years of international hockey due to FIH rules. But, he is back once again in the World Cup, this time representing Germany. In his 12 caps for Germany, he has already scored six goals. An Olympics Gold medal winner in 2016, Peillat would be looking to add a World Cup medal in his trophy cabinet.
Blake Govers
Another big game player, Blake Govers would be hoping to follow his brother Kieran’s footsteps by winning the World Cup. A strong forward, Blake scored 89 goals in 103 appearances for Australia. Blake Govers is also known for his drag-flicking abilities. In the recent India-Australia test series, Govers was the top goal scorer for the Australian team despite playing only three games. A strong forward who loves tearing opposition defences, Govers will also play a role of penalty corner expert. Govers has been on the big tournament podium before, he won silver in Tokyo Olympics and finished third in 2018 Hockey World Cup. With just winner medals left for him to win, fans can expect him to go all out and win it.
Arthur Van Doren
There is no other player who perfectly fits the bracket of an impact player than Belgium’s Arthur van Doren. Named best player of the tournament in the 2018 Hockey World Cup, Van Doren will be aiming for his second World Cup medal. A master in zonal defending, he loves cutting passes to opposition forwards and then assisting with counterattacks to help Belgium strikers. An in-form Van Doren is intimidating on the field and a menace to opposition attackers. At 28, he is in his prime. While few hockey experts have counted Belgium out as favourites, Van Doren would be keen to prove them wrong and win another trophy for Belgium’s golden generation.
Harmanpreet Singh
Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh is one player from whom we can always expect a great performance. In the 2023 Hockey World Cup too, the same will be expected of him. He was the top goal scorer of India in the calendar year 2022 and he’s expected to carry his fine to the year 2023. With the absence of experienced defenders and penalty corner experts in the Indian team, Harmanpreet will have a lot on his plate.
However, FIH player of the year 2020-21 and 2022-22 thrives under pressure. Harman’s quick thinking and lethal drag flicks would be key to India’s progress in the World Cup. Harmanpreet was the top goal scorer for India in Tokyo Olympics, and he would once again be aiming to top the goal-scoring chart to help India win a medal in the World Cup.
Which player do you think will shine in the World Cup? Have your say in the comments section below.
