The day after the gold medal of the Red Lions, the Olympic hockey final also reverberates in the Australian media. Hearts are broken 'Down under', but the supremacy of the Belgians still prevails. “This golden generation of hockey players started every game with confidence.”

 

© Photo News

News.com: “Most dramatic end to one of the most dramatic Olympic finals”

On the Australian news site News.com, yesterday's blood-curdling denouement still resonates, but there is also praise for the Red Lions. “The Kookaburras' are defeated in a heartbreaking shoot-out. It was the most dramatic end to one of the most dramatic team sport Olympic finals ever. In the shoot-out, Belgian goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch was simply too good. He put the Australians under so much pressure. After a beautiful stick-save in the recapitulation of the last penalty, Belgium was finally allowed to celebrate. The hearts of the 'Aussies' were broken.”

The Sydney Morning Herald: “Order counters at the counter”

“A thousand bombs and grenades!” is The Sidney Morning Herald's original opener, referring to the statement of Tintin character Captain Haddock, who they say "didn't survive this tension either." “The Red Lions are the best hockey team in the world since the Rio Games and added an Olympic gold medal to their European and World titles. This golden generation of hockey players started confidently in every game. They already won the final during the national anthems. You usually order fries and beer at a Belgian counter, but now also hockey counters.”

Vincent Vanasch was the great hero, the Australian media also saw. © AP

The Canberra Times: “Great leader Vanasch enjoyed his starring role”

At The Canberra Times, they especially had an eye for the great protagonist of the Lions: Vincent Vanasch. “He is labeled by national coach McLeod as a 'great leader' and 'that he is from another planet'. Vanasch proved that in the eventful shoot-out. He clearly enjoyed his unique lead role.”

Fox Sports Australia: “Slow and painful defeat”

Also at Fox Sports Australia, the loss in the Olympic final has clearly cut it. “Australia's loss to Belgium was slow and painful. Hocking crazy.” At Fox, too, they point to the fact that the Red Lions have won just about everything there is to win in hockey in recent years. “National coach McLeod put his hands to his face and cried. The Belgians were crying out, the Australians had a hard time keeping their emotions under control.”