STRAIGHT SHOOTOUTS NEED A RE-THINK

Remember extra-time?

This protracted struggle in a knockout hockey match is a thing of the past. Seven years ago the new shootout came into being. It caused the demise of extra-time. Partly because it takes longer for the “penalty shuffle” to take place (given eight seconds given to each striker) as opposed to the hitherto penalty stroke contest. And partly because TV broadcasting slots are always under pressure what with a plethora of sporting events all over the globe.

Had the Netherlands failed against Australia in a semifinal shootout, the team, head and shoulders above the rest of the world, wouldn’t have lifted the Women’s Hockey World Cup in London which they eventually did with a clinical and electrifying 6-0 win over shock finalists Ireland.

It took a late equaliser by Australia to bring on the shootout. And it gave the Dutch no chance to get their act together in extended play on a day when they failed to live up to their own lofty standards.

In, what’s still a cast of the dice, the Dutch won to keep them on course to winning their eighth World Cup title in style while registering a 35-3 goal record in six matches.

One cross-over match, two quarterfinals and both semifinals led to the shootout with the Irish, Australians and Spanish involved in two each.

This is not to detract from an epic performance by the Irish ladies who defied history and belied their ranking of 16 — the second lowest in the competition.

Nor does it discredit Spain who eventually finished with a bronze medal after beating Australia 3-1.

Argentina, second favourites and twice champions, saw their campaign come to an unceremonious end in a shootout defeat to Australia who played second fiddle for most of their quarterfinal.

It’s common knowledge that lesser teams often play for a shootout where nerves and the rub of the green often influence results, the greater need for one-on-one skills in the new tiebreaker format notwithstanding.

With matches now reduced to 60 minutes over four quarters, extra-time of five minutes each way would be well warranted to prevent too many matches going to the shootout

The drama and excitement of the shootout does much to add value to the sport. But wouldn’t it be satisfying to have a team carve out victory in extended play before going on to hockey’s version of Russian Roulette?

Shootouts in the World Cup/ Olympics 2012 onwards (excluding minor placing matches):

2012 London Olympics: Semifinals: Netherlands beat New Zealand

2016 Rio Olympics: Semifinals: Netherlands beat Germany. Final: Great Britain beat Netherlands.

2014 World Cup: Semifinals: Australia beat New Zealand .

2018 World Cup: Cross-over: Spain beat Belgium. Quarterfinals: Ireland beat India ; Australia beat Argentina;
Semifinals: Ireland beat Spain; Netherlands beat Australia.