In this article, we will explore the topic of 1971 Men's Hockey World Cup in depth, analyzing its different facets and relevant aspects. From its origin and evolution to its impact on today's society, we will delve into history and its importance in different contexts. Additionally, we will examine the opinions and perspectives of experts in the field, as well as the experiences of those who have been directly affected by 1971 Men's Hockey World Cup. Through a broad and multidisciplinary approach, we aim to shed light on this very relevant topic, offering the reader a complete and enriching vision.
The 1971 Men's Hockey World Cup was the inaugural edition of the Hockey World Cup. It took place from 15 to 24 October in Barcelona, Spain.Pakistan were the inaugural World Cup winners, beating Spain in the final, 1–0.
Participants
The first World Cup was the only one without qualification. It was an invitational tournament where the top ten teams from five continents were invited by the International Hockey Federation by merit of their performances in the Summer Olympics. The teams were divided into two groups for five each, with the top two proceeding to the semi-finals after the round-robin stage. Gold medalists at the 1968 Olympics, Pakistan, were grouped in 'B' alongside runners-up Australia, and Spain, the Netherlands and Japan. Group 'A' included Argentina, France, India, Kenya and West Germany.
As per statistical convention in field hockey, matches decided in extra time are counted as wins and losses, while matches decided by penalty shoot-outs are counted as draws.
The journalists covering the competition selected a 'world eleven' on 25 October 1971. Japan goalkeeper Satokazu Otsuka was named as player of the tournament.