Netherlands vs. Germany
Kicking off the women’s field hockey semifinal round is a matchup between these two teams.
In pouring rain and rough wind, the Netherlands met Argentina in what was a rematch of London’s gold medal match. Once again, the Netherlands came out on top 3-2, holding off a late run from Argentina.
The Netherlands got a balanced scoring effort from its offense, which surprisingly didn’t include team captain Maartje Paumen this time around.
That could be threatening for Germany.
However, the Germans are fresh off of a game that they never trailed in and did a strong job of keeping control of the game over a gritty United States team.
Germany is hungry, but the Dutch have a poise about them that is unparalleled in this tournament. They know what it’s like to defend a gold medal; in fact they’re looking for their third consecutive now. It wouldn’t be a surprise for the favorites to take the victory and head to another gold medal match.
New Zealand vs. Great Britain
Both of these teams are looking for something to prove.
Great Britain, the defending bronze medalists, is hoping to walk away from the Olympics with a better finish this time around.
New Zealand, on the other hand, is on a quest for its first Olympic medal. The Black Sticks had an impressive 4-2 win over Australia to send them to the semifinals. According to team captain Kayla Whitelock, they are just starting to click.
This could be bad news for Team GB, but the undefeated squad has been playing some of its best hockey ever, not to mention at the right time.
Behind the dominant force in goal Maddie Hinch, Great Britain will look to go at New Zealand early just like it did to Spain in the quarterfinal round.
The losers of each match will still move on for a shot at the bronze medal and a place on the podium.