Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: 5 favourites to win the title

#3 Netherlands

The Dutch have van der Weeden back - can the drag-flicker win it for Holland?

The Dutch seemed within striking distance of winning the title at the final edition of the Champions Trophy, but Jeroen Hertzberger's late goal against the Indians was disallowed, in a match that was a virtual semi-final, as a result of which the hosts had to settle for bronze.

While the women's side has asserted their dominance repeatedly and emphatically, in recent times, the men have been unable to strike gold in a major tournament since the 2006 Champions Trophy, and have not captured the World Cup since winning the title at home in 1998.

Paul Van Ass' side came close to repeating the feat four years back by making it to the World Cup final at the Hague, but a brutal PC hattrick from Chris Ciriello resulted in an ignominious 1-6 thrashing at the hands of Ric Charlesworth's Australians.

While the master Aussie drag-flicker is now with the Indian camp as Analytical Coach, the Dutch do have the ammunition to match Ciriello's firepower, as Mink van der Weeden (who missed the Champions Trophy on account of an injury) is now back, and perfectly capable of winning matches on his own.