Hockey WC: Belgium & Netherlands Favourite, But Pakistan Always Dangerous

Punit Shrivastava

December 11, 2018 9:07 am

Belgium and Canada are making their 6th appearance in Hockey Men’s World Cup, where the Netherlands and Pakistan are two of the most successful teams sharing 7 titles, 12 finals, and 16 semifinals between them. But, while Belgium finished 5th in 2014 Hockey World Cup, Pakistan did not take part.

Belgium is third seed, while Netherlands is 4th seed. Even in Hockey World Cup 2018, both finished 2nd with 2 wins each, while Pakistan and Canada lost two matches each. In current perspective for the crossover maches, there is no comparison but the Red Lions and Dutch would be wary of this World Cup, full of upsets. In World Cup, Pakistan won both times while Belgium defeated them twice in recent past. Canada is yet to win a major tournament against Netherlands.

Matches for Crossover

Belgium vs Pakistan
Netherlands vs Canada

What’s at Stake!
A place in quarterfinal where India awaits winner of Netherlands vs Canada and Germany awaits winner of Belgium vs Pakistan.

History

Belgium vs Pakistan
at World Cup

1973 Pak won 2-0 Pool A
2002 Pak won 3-2 Pool A

Champions Trophy
2018 Belgium defeated Pak 4-2 Pool
2018 Belgium defeated Pak 2-2 (3-2) For 5th place

Netherlands vs Canada
At World Cup

1998 Netherlands defeated Canada 3-1 Pool A

2010 Netherlands defeated Canada 6-0 Pool A

2016 Olympics Netherlands defeated Canada 7-0

(Info Courtesy: www.newschoupal.com)