Hockey World Cup 2018: Final - Belgium vs Netherlands - 3 talking points

#1 Two great sides play a contest worthy of a final

It was tough to determine as to which side was better on the day

The two European neighbors have played some really big knockouts in the past few years and displayed yet again that they have the capacity to up the ante when it matters the most.

The Belgians did not have the best of starts, managing a hard-fought 2-1 win over Canada followed by a 2-2 draw with India - but grew into the tournament gradually.

Even after losing two of their key men - John-John Dohmen, to illness, and the vastly experienced Emmanuel Stockbroekx to injury, early in the competition, the Red Lions went about their business unruffled.

Simon Gougnard lost his father on Friday night but played the semifinals on Saturday - and managed to score as well, apart from being playing a huge role on the pitch in the semifinal and final as well.

The Dutch too were rather inconsistent, to begin with, losing to the Germans after having walloped Malaysia, but got better with every match, as they brushed Pakistan and Canada aside, before keeping their heads against India and giving world champions Australia a taste of their own medicine with some great attacking play.

Winning a World Cup involves more than just topping the pool, and champion sides have the knack of shifting gears at will - putting their best foot forward when it matters the most.

Netherlands and Belgium played a flawless game with neither side giving the other an inch after a fantastic campaign at Bhubaneswar, and while one side had to eventually lose out in a sudden death shootout - the game of hockey was the ultimate winner.

Sportskeeda's experts, Jude Felix, and Ashish Ballal were both of the opinion that the better team won.

"The best team won - Belgium was the better team on the day. Belgium really dominated," said Ashish Ballal.

Jude Felix, former India captain and coach of the Indian juniors rooted for the Dutch, but felt the Belgians created a lot more chances.

"Very even game and Belgium had a slight edge considering the number of chances they created. The intention of both sides was to win right from the start which made the game interesting. Belgium, worthy winners - although I rooted for the Dutch."