Netherlands enter final
1 side in the world. Facing World Cup co-hosts Belgium in the first semifinal, the Dutch came out on top with a 1-0 win at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Thursday, booking their place in an eighth consecutive World Cup final. They will face Argentina, who beat Australia 1-0 in the other semifinal. It will be a repeat of the last edition’s final, which the Netherlands had won 3-1. Las Leonas are appearing in their second successive World Cup final and edged Australia 1-0 in the second semifinal at Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre.
The Netherlands women’s hockey team showed once again why they are the No. But the Netherlands eventually found the breakthrough late in the second quarter after winning the ball inside the Belgian half and launching a swift move down the right. Belgium refused to give up and appeared to have found the equaliser with less than five minutes remaining. However, the goal was disallowed following a video review, allowing the Netherlands to hold on for a narrow victory. The win kept the Dutch on course for a record-extending 10th World Cup title. But Argentina will be no pushovers.
Earlier, Belgium began the match on the front foot, dominating possession and forcing the Dutch to defend deep.