Bhubaneswar: A circumspect Australia will be hoping to find its rhythm and keep its victory streak intact against a resurgent Germany when the two faces off in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup semifinal at the Kalinga Stadium here on Friday while defending champion Belgium takes on the Netherlands in a repeat of last edition’s title clash for a final spot.
Of the four teams, world number three and three-time champions Netherlands have had the easiest passage to the semifinals with a 5-1 win over South Korea, who punched above their weight, in their quarterfinal match.
Germany, who have won the tournament twice but made it to the last four for the first time since 2010, had the toughest route to the semifinals. They had to play in the crossovers after finishing second in their pool.
Germany were all but out of the semifinal race after trailing 0-2 till the 58th minute of their quarterfinal match against a brilliant England side but the never-say-die Die Honamas struck twice in the last two minutes through Grambusch brothers to take the game to the penalty shootout, which they won 4-3.
Australia, bronze medallists in the last edition, may start as slight favourites against Germany but it will be anybody’s game as the Kookaburras have also shown their vulnerability in two of the four matches they have played in this FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup so far.
The Netherlands would be looking for their third straight final but they will face the toughest test of the tournament in the form of defending champions and reigning Olympic gold medallists Belgium.
The Dutch have not faced much resistance from any opposition so far. The second semifinal will be a contest between the oldest and one of the youngest sides in the tournament. Belgium have 11 players above the age of 30 while the Netherlands have eight players below 25 and just two above 30.
In the first semifinal, Australia will take on Germany at 4.30 pm (IST), while the second match between Belgium and Netherlands will be played at 7.00 pm (IST).
The final match of the championship will also be played at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday at 7.00 pm (IST).
