Spain produced one of the biggest results of the FIH Hockey World Cup, defeating hosts Netherlands 4-3 in a dramatic semi-final to reach the men’s final for the first time since 1998. They will face defending champions Germany, who edged Argentina 2-1 in the other last-four clash.
The Netherlands started strongly in front of their home crowd and were rewarded in the 22nd minute when Koen Bijen finished off a well-worked attack to give the hosts the lead.
Spain responded after the interval, with José Basterra producing a deft touch on a long ball into the circle to bring the contest level. The match then swung decisively in Spain’s favour after Dutch forward Duco Telgenkamp was shown a 10-minute yellow card for a challenge on Xavier Gispert.
Spain capitalised on the numerical advantage. Basterra scored his second before Pepe Cunill converted a penalty corner, and Basterra completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot to put Spain 4-1 ahead.
The Netherlands refused to surrender. Jip Janssen reduced the deficit from a penalty corner before Joep de Mol struck with just over a minute remaining. Spain, however, held their nerve to secure a memorable victory.
Goalkeeper Luis Calzado was instrumental in the win and was named Player of the Match.
Germany, meanwhile, booked their second successive World Cup final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Argentina.
Justus Weigand gave Germany the lead in the 33rd minute with a deflection off Moritz Ludwig’s shot. Argentina levelled in the final quarter through Tomás Domene, who converted a penalty corner.
Germany regained the advantage after Argentina’s Lucio Mendez was sent to the sin bin for five minutes. Ludwig then picked out Weigand, whose volley across goal allowed Paul-Philipp Kaufmann to finish at the far post in the 54th minute.
The result sets up a heavyweight final between Spain and defending champions Germany.
Elsewhere, Australia defeated England 2-0 to finish fifth. Blake Govers opened the scoring from a penalty corner shortly before half-time, while Ky Willott added a second in the 48th minute after play resumed following a thunderstorm delay.
Belgium claimed seventh place after beating India 4-3 in a shootout following a thrilling 3-3 draw. India twice took the lead during the contest, while Harmanpreet Singh’s penalty-corner conversion with just 20 seconds remaining forced the shootout.
New Zealand secured ninth place with a commanding 6-3 win over Ireland, while Pakistan finished 11th after overcoming South Africa in a shootout following a 4-4 draw.
France defeated Japan 3-1 to take 13th place, and Wales secured 15th after beating Malaysia on shootout following a 2-2 draw.
With Spain back in a World Cup final after 28 years and Germany chasing another title, Sunday’s showdown promises to be a fitting finale to the tournament.
(Inputs from FIH)
