Defending champions Netherlands and Argentina have set up a repeat of the 2022 FIH Hockey World Cup final after winning their respective semi-final matches. Both teams secured 1-0 victories on Thursday night to advance to the title clash.
Dutch defeat Belgium
Co-hosts Netherlands reached their eighth consecutive World Cup final after edging past Belgium 1-0 in Amstelveen. Frederique Matla scored the decisive goal in the second quarter following a fast counterattack.
Belgium pushed hard for an equalizer but the Dutch defense held firm until the final whistle. After the match, Dutch Player of the Match Xan de Waard said:
“I think it was a very hard-fought game. I think Belgium did a great job by putting us under a lot of pressure. But I think we defended really well until the last minute, so my emotions are very happy now.”
Argentina overcome Australia
In the second semi-final, Argentina defeated Australia 1-0 in a closely contested match. After three goalless quarters, Julieta Jankunas broke the deadlock in the 47th minute to send her team to their seventh World Cup final.
Reflecting on the victory, Argentina Player of the Match Sofia Cairo said, “It’s a dream. I’m really very happy because this team deserves it.”
Final rematch ahead
The upcoming Saturday final will be a rematch of the 2022 summit clash, where the Netherlands defeated Argentina 3-1. The Dutch team is aiming for a fourth successive World Cup title and their tenth overall.
Meanwhile, Argentina will attempt to claim their third World Cup trophy after ending up as runners-up in their last final appearance.
