Hockey World Cup 2018 final: 3 Reasons why Netherlands lost

#2 Belgians defended with all their might

Belgium man-marking the Dutch players and not letting them through

While the Netherlands had more opportunities to shoot, more chances to score a goal and more probability to take a lead, the Belgians were tactically sound in the whole 60 minutes. Shane McLeod set up his men tightly at the back with 8 to 9 players giving a defensive contribution in each attacking move by the Oranje.

When Belgium put it past England in the semi-final, they did not leave their defense open at the back, ensuring a shutout while simultaneously scoring 6 goals. In fact, the Red Lions conceded only 5 goals in the whole World Cup campaign, conceding more than 1 goal only in one match (against India).

#1 Netherlands too complacent in shootout

Belgium v Netherlands shootout

Max Caldas led his team to a shootout win in the semi-final against Australia, and the Dutch seemed to be on their way to lift the World Cup trophy a joint-highest 4th time as they were 2-0 up in the shootout.

But everything went downhill from there as Van Aubel scored and brought the score to 2-1. Van Ass missed for the Netherlands while Wegnez found a way around Pirmin Blaak to hit the back of the net and restore parity.

Van Dam then missed for Netherlands, allowing Belgium to net the winner which was disallowed later. Again, Van Aubel scored and Hertzberger, who had scored earlier, beat the goalkeeper but failed to keep his shot below the bar as his nation lost out on the World Cup.