The Netherlands women's field hockey team have secured their place in the World Cup final for the eighth consecutive time, defeating Belgium 1-0 in a tightly contested semi-final held in Amstelveen, a city in the western Netherlands that is serving as the tournament's host venue. The only goal came from Frédérique Matla, who finished off a swift counter-attack in the final third, converting from close range after a flowing move involving captain Marijn Veen, Freeke Moes, and Luna Fokke.
The match was far more competitive than the Netherlands' earlier rounds in the tournament had suggested. Belgium, ranked third in the world, pressed high and created several penalty corner opportunities in the first half, keeping the Dutch on the back foot for long stretches. The Dutch side grew into the game after Matla's goal, but the contest remained tense, particularly in the closing minutes when Dutch forward Pien Dicke received a yellow card and a five-minute suspension, leaving her team temporarily a player down.
Belgium came agonisingly close to equalising during that period. With around five minutes remaining, Famke Van Heel — who has a Dutch father — struck the ball into the net, sending the Belgian camp into celebration. However, following a video review, the goal was disallowed for an obstruction infringement by a Belgian teammate inside the circle. The decision provoked frustration among the Belgian players. Van Heel, speaking immediately after the match, said she was