The Netherlands and Argentina will meet in the FIH Hockey World Cup final on Saturday after 1-0 semi-final victories on Thursday.
The clash is a rematch four years in the making after the two sides met in the last World Cup final in 2022, where the Dutch prevailed.
For the Dutch, they came through a dramatic battle with Belgium, surviving a late disallowed goal to get over the line after a rousing performance from the Red Panthers.
In front of a packed Wagener Stadium, the Oranje took the lead in the first half after Marijn Veen broke through a tackle on halfway to set up a sharp attack which led to Frédérique Matla sweeping in a first time chance at the right post.
It stayed that way to the end despite the Belgians piling on the pressure in the closing phases. They thought they had scored the equaliser when a scorcher from 18-year-old Famke van Heel found the back of the net, but it was ruled out on review for obstruction.
It put the Dutch through to their eighth successive World Cup final with Xan de Waard saying afterwards: “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.”
The second semi-final was similarly close with Julieta Jankunas getting the only goal for Argentina against Australia in a 1-0 win, adding the finishing touch in the 47th minute.
Earlier in the day, India’s women achieved their best result at the FIH Hockey World Cup since 1974 by securing fifth place with a 3-1 victory over Germany.
Spain took seventh place after a shootout victory over China with goalkeeper Clara Pérez outstanding in the final period and the extra attempts.
England claimed ninth place with a 3-1 win over the USA; Japan held off a late Scotland fightback to win 2-1 and finish in 11th place while twins Niamh and Michelle Carey combined to give Ireland a 1-0 win over South Africa and 13th place.
** Picture: Rodrigo Jaramillo/World Sport Pics
