Bhubaneswar: In a dramatic semifinal encounter, the Netherlands scraped past two-time defending champions Australia 4-3 via sudden death to enter the final of the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup at Kalinga Stadium here, Saturday.
The Dutch will take on World No.3 Belgium, who stormed into the summit clash for the first time in their World Cup history with a comprehensive 6-0 victory over England, in the final, Sunday.
However, it was the Dutch who grabbed most of the attention. They were the most dominant team between the two hockey powerhouses, but what made the difference was the presence of goalie Pirmin Blaak in front of Netherlands goalpost.
World No.4 Netherlands were leading 2-1 till the final minute of the game before the Aussies pulled off the all important equaliser 26 seconds from the final hooter. Consequently, the match went into shootout.
However, the shootout couldn’t find a winner as both the team scored three times each in their respective five attempts. In the sudden death, Netherlands cashed in on their chance, but Blaak spoiled Australian attempt with a wonderful save.
With this, the Dutch also exacted their revenge of their 1-6 defeat in the 2014 World Cup final against the Australians.
PNN
