Defending champions Netherlands and Argentina will face off in the FIH Hockey World Cup final on Saturday, setting up a repeat of the 2022 summit clash, after both teams secured hard-fought victories in their respective semi-finals on Thursday.
The Netherlands edged past Belgium 1-0 in Amsterdam to reach their eighth consecutive World Cup final, while Argentina defeated Australia 1-0 in the second semi-final to book their place in the title clash.
The Dutch, aiming for a fourth successive World Cup crown, were tested by a spirited Belgium side in a closely contested opening half. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Frédérique Matla produced a one-handed deflection following a slick attacking move.
Belgium earned a penalty corner with nine seconds remaining in the first half but failed to convert.
The hosts thought they had levelled late in the match when 18-year-old Famke van Heel unleashed a powerful strike into the net. However, the goal was ruled out after a review, allowing the Netherlands to hold on and reach another final.
Dutch Player of the Match Xan de Waard praised her team’s defensive effort after the match.
“It was a very hard-fought game. Belgium did a great job by putting us under a lot of pressure, but I think we defended really well until the last minute,” she said.
In the second semi-final, Argentina and Australia played out a cagey first half, with both sides managing just five circle entries and one penalty corner apiece.
Argentina grew stronger after the interval and finally broke the deadlock in the 47th minute when Julieta Jankunas finished off a penalty-corner variation.
Australia pushed for an equaliser but Argentina goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino produced two crucial saves from penalty corners in the final quarter.
The Hockeyroos came agonisingly close to forcing an equaliser with 17 seconds remaining, but Grace Stewart narrowly missed connecting with the ball, sending Argentina into their seventh World Cup final.
Argentina Player of the Match Sofia Cairo described the achievement as a dream.
“It’s a dream. I’m really very happy because this team deserve it,” Cairo said.
India finish fifth:
Earlier, India secured fifth place with a 3-1 victory over Germany, recording their best World Cup finish since 1974.
After a goalless first half, Ishika opened the scoring in the 43rd minute before Navneet Kaur doubled India’s advantage from a penalty corner a minute later.Navneet struck again early in the final quarter to put India 3-0 ahead. Germany pulled one back through Lynn Krings in the closing stages, but India held firm to complete a convincing victory.
Spain take seventh place:
Spain secured seventh position after defeating China 1-0 in a shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Marta Segu put Spain ahead just before the first-quarter hooter, while Anhui Yu levelled for China with two seconds left in the second quarter.
Neither side could find a winner despite China’s dominance in the third quarter, with Spanish goalkeeper Clara Pérez producing a strong display. Spain eventually prevailed 1-0 in the shootout after 11 unsuccessful attempts between the two teams.
England finished ninth after a 3-1 victory over the USA, with all four goals coming from penalty corners. Elizabeth Neal and Lily Owsley scored for England before Tessa Howard completed the win in the 55th minute.
Japan claimed 11th place with a 2-1 win over Scotland. Miyu Suzuki opened the scoring from a penalty stroke before Akari Nakagomi doubled Japan’s lead. Scotland pulled one back through Ellie Mackenzie late in the match but could not find an equaliser.
Ireland finished 13th after edging South Africa, with twin sisters Niamh and Michelle Carey combining for the only goal in the 14th minute.
New Zealand came from behind to defeat Chile 3-2 and finish 15th. Chile led after scoring twice in the third quarter, but the Kiwis responded with two goals in the final period, including the winner with just over three minutes remaining.
(Inputs from FIH)
