Belgium & Netherlands reach Final of Hockey World Cup 2018

ONI Bureau: Olympic silver medallist Belgium thrashed England 6-0 to enter the final of the Men’s Hockey World Cup for the first time at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday.

In the second semifinal, Netherlands defeated World Champions Australia 4-3 in the penalty shootout to qualify for the Final after the match was tied at the end of full time.

In the first semifinal, Tom Boon (8th minute), Simon Gougnard (19th minute), Cedric Charlier (42nd minute), Alexander Hendrickx (45th minute & 50th minute) and Sebastian Dockier (53rd minute) scored the goals for Belgium.

Tom Boon from Belgium was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’s.

In the second semifinal, Netherlands took a 2-0 lead, but defending Champions Australia levelled the score in the dying seconds. In the shootout, Netherlands won 4-3.

Glenn Schuurman (9th minute) and Seve van Ass (20th minute) scored the goals for Netherlands. For Australia, Tim Howard (45th minute) and Eddie Ockenden (60th minute) were the goal scorers.

Pirmin Blaak of Netherlands was declared ‘Player of the Match’.

The Belgians will clash with the Dutch in the final on Sunday.