Hockey World Cup 2018, Semifinal 2: 3 Reasons Why Netherlands beat Australia

#1 Pirmin Blaak had the game of his life

If it were not for Pirmin Blaak, Australia would have restored parity within the first half and won the match with those late goals

Batch's men had 11 shots in the whole match, 10 of which were on target. If it were not for Pirmin Blaak, Australia would have restored parity within the first half and won the match with those late goals.

Blaak made a number of crucial saves including a double save in the 20th minute when he saved a shot from Trent Mitton and then from Timothy Brand two seconds later.

Five minutes later, the 30-year-old padded away a powerful shot to ensure his side's two-goal lead didn't reduce to one.

With less than three minutes to go on the clock, Australians took a penalty corner which ended up with Blake Govers whose well-executed shot was brilliantly kept out by the Dutch No.1.

Blaak was also excellent in the shootout as he allowed only three out of the six opportunities past him.

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