Belgium to clash with Netherlands in Hockey World Cup final tomorrow

Bhubaneswar: Putting an end to all speculations, Belgium and Netherlands today sealed their place for the much awaited Men’s Hockey World Cup 2018 final scheduled to be held at Kalinga Stadium tomorrow.

While, the top four teams from across the Pools locked horn in semi-final matches today, spectators witnessed two completely different competitions. Against the first semi-final Belgium outplayed England in aspects of the game and crushed it with 6-0, the second match was a tough one in which Netherlands outsmarted Australia in ‘Sudden Death’ after a 2-2 tie.

In the first semi-final match, Belgium’s Alexander Hendrickx dominated against his contenders of England team in all four periods by taking a hat-trick and converting penalty corners into goals one after the other. Later, goals by Tom Boon (7th), Cédric Charlier (41st) and Sébastien Dockier (53rd) played spoil sport in England’s hope for the final.

However, the day had a more spectacular match on its list ahead with the second semi-final between three-time champions Netherlands and two-times defending champion Australia. The match since its beginning witnesses some beautiful tactics display by players of both the teams. The breathless competition ended up in a 2-2 tie as no team was seen giving any room for the other to proceed to the final clash.

After the completion of the regulation time, the fate of the match was rested on the shootout which failed to break the uncertainty with both the teams scoring 3 goals. Later, Netherlands managed to outshine Aussies in the ‘Sudden Death’.

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