Hockey World Cup 2023: Belgium, Germany advance to final after thrilling semifinal wins

BHUBANESWAR: Ace drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat struck a second-half hat-trick as Germany made a sensational comeback after being two goals down to beat Australia 4-3 and enter the men's hockey World Cup final for the fifth time, in Bhubaneswar, on Friday.

Peillat scored from penalty-corners in the 43rd, 52nd and 59th minutes while 'Player of the Match' Niklas Wellen (60th) struck with just a few seconds left in the game to stun Australia, who squandered a 2-0 half-time lead in the first semi-final at the Kalinga Stadium.

Jeremy Hayward (12th minute), Nathan Ephraums (27th) and Blake Govers (58th) scored for Australia, who will now play for the bronze medal on Sunday.

Boon Tom (26th minute penalty-corner) and De Kerpel Nicolas (44th mimute field goal) scored for Belgium while Janssen Jip got the Dutch goals from penalty-corners in the 11th and 35th minute.

Germany will meet defending champions Belgium, who got the better of the Netherlands 3-2 via the penalty shoot-out after the teams were locked 2-2 at the end of full-time.

The match between Belgium, the oldest side, and a young Dutch team was contested equally, but the more experienced reigning Olympic champions emerged victorious in the shoot-out.

Belgium have 11 players over 30 years of age, while the Netherlands have eight players below 25 and just two above 30.

The Red Sticks, who have come with almost the same set of players that won the Tokyo Olympics gold, are among the fittest and most experienced sides.

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