Despite all the challenges connected with the COVID-19 global health pandemic, 2021 was still an incredible year for the sport of Hockey, a year which deserves to be celebrated like any other.

With some truly extraordinary moments taking place at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, FIH Hockey Pro League and a Men’s Junior World Cup, restricting our categories to just ten nominees for the Best Goal and the Best Match of 2021 was far from simple. However, we’ve given it our best shot!

We are giving all fans the chance to watch these fantastic moments before voting for the respective winners.

You can find an overview of the nominees for the Best Goal and Best Match of 2021 below, with information about how to vote at the bottom of the page. We hope you enjoy re-living the action as much as we do.

Nominees – Favourite Goal of 2021

1: Nicolas Keenan (ARG). Argentina Men v Japan (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A stunning run and overhead smash-shot from the top of the circle slams the backboard.

2: Timm Herzbruch (GER). Germany Men v Argentina (Quarter-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: An outrageously intricate penalty corner routine from Die Honamas, bewildering the Argentine defence for Herzbruch to deflect home.

3: Agustina Albertarrio (ARG). Argentina Women v Germany (Quarter-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A brilliantly worked passing move is finished off by Albertarrio, who touches home from close range.  

4: Tim Brand (AUS). Australia Men v Germany (Semi-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Kookaburras superstar Brand volleys home a vicious cross-shot from Ogilvie, who was picked out in the circle by a glorious overhead pass that eliminated the Germany defenders. (3 August)

5: Berta Bonastre (ESP). Spain Women v Great Britain (Quarter-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Pouncing from close range, Bonastre takes two magnificent touches to lift the ball over the head of Maddie Hinch and into the GB goal. 

6: Dayaan Cassiem (RSA). South Africa Men v Belgium (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Incredible solo effort against the World and eventual Olympic champions, running half the length of the field in possession before flicking past the shoulder of goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch.

7: Lidewij Welten (NED). Netherlands Women v Germany (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A fine passing move carves through the Germany team before Welten taps home from close range.

8: Kenta Tanaka (JPN). Japan Men v New Zealand (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Pacey Samurais attacker Tanaka runs three quarters of the lengths of the field in possession before sensationally firing home.

9: Hollie Pearne-Webb (GBR). Great Britain Women v India (Bronze) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A rare field goal from GB’s captain, smashing home a superb first-time volley to put her team on course for the bronze medal. 

10: Stacey Michelsen (NZL) New Zealand Women v Australia - FIH Hockey Pro League : A superb solo goal from the Black Sticks legend, cutting in from the right before crashing a stunning backhand strike inside the right post.

Nominees – Favourite Match of 2021

1: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Men’s Pool B – South Africa 4-3 Germany 

2: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Quarter-Final – Germany 0-3 Argentina

3: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Quarter-Final – Australia 0-1 India

4: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Men’s Bronze Medal – Germany 4-5 India

5: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Bronze Medal – Great Britain 4-3 India

6: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Men’s Gold Medal – Australia 1-1 Belgium (2-3 ASO)

7: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Gold Medal – Netherlands 3-1 Argentina 

8: FIH Hockey Pro League: Men – Netherlands 2-4 Germany

9: FIH Hockey Pro League: Women – Argentina 1-3 Germany

10: FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021: Pool phase – France 4-3 India 

To register your vote, simply click here. The voting will close on 9 January 2022 at 23:59 (UTC), with the winners – first, second and third place - being announced in the following days. Thanks for voting!

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