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The Netherlands women’s hockey team showed once again why they are the No. 1 side in the world. Facing World Cup co-hosts Belgium in the first semifinal, the Dutch came out on top with a 1-0 win at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Thursday, booking their place in an eighth consecutive World Cup final. They will face Argentina, who beat Australia 1-0 in the other semifinal. It will be a repeat of the last edition’s final, which the Netherlands had won 3-1. Earlier, Belgium began the match on the front foot, dominating possession and forcing the Dutch to defend deep. But the Netherlands eventually found the breakthrough late in the second quarter after winning the ball inside the Belgian half and launching a swift move down the right. Freeke Moes played the ball from right to left for Luna Fokke, who in turn found Frédérique Matla inside the D. With space around her, Matla unleashed a powerful strike into the near post from the left to give the Dutch the lead in the 28th minute. Belgium refused to give up and appeared to have found the equaliser with less than five minutes remaining. However, the goal was disallowed following a video review, allowing the Netherlands to hold on for a narrow victory. The win kept the Dutch on course for a record-extending 10th World Cup title. But Argentina will be no pushovers. Las Leonas are appearing in their second successive World Cup final and edged Australia 1-0 in the second semifinal at Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre. Australia had done well to hold Argentina at bay for much of the contest, but Julieta Jankunas finally broke the deadlock from an Argentine penalty corner in the 47th minute. That proved enough to send Argentina into another final and set up a repeat of the 2022 title clash with the Netherlands.