Germany vs. Argentina
Right when you think the time has come to count Germany out, they prove you wrong.
The Germans came into this tournament ranked third in the world by FIH standings. Not the worst place for the two-time defending gold medalists, but some rocky times between London and Rio had some questioning whether they could come back strong enough for a three-peat.
Yet here they are, after a stunning win over New Zealand in which this youngest member of the team Florian Fuchs scored the game winner in the very last second of the game to send them to the semifinal game against Argentina.
Los Leones had a dramatic win in the quarterfinals as well. They secured the lead over Spain after a penalty stroke goal in the fourth quarter.
Both teams are coming straight off of adrenaline-filled contests and have their fair share of talent on the roster.
Argentina will look to Gonzalo Peillat as always to lead the offense, particularly during any penalty corner opportunity.
Germany has a deep roster to look to, but team captain Moritz Furste has been the towering force for the team. Furste led the comeback against the Black Sticks with two electrifying goals off of penalty corner attempts in the fourth quarter.
Argentina will be looking for the program’s first medal while Germany will be looking to be the first team to notch a three-peat since India did it in 1956.
Belgium vs. Netherlands
Belgium dominated throughout the entire tournament. They have shined in this “coming-of-age opportunity”, and it wants this story to continue all the way through the gold medal match.
The Netherlands might have a different plan.
The powerful offensive influence of Mink Van der Weerden might be too much for any team to handle, particularly if his team draws enough penalty corners for him to showcase his perfect drag flick.
The Dutch roster goes deep as well, with offensive threats in Billy Bakker and Seve Van Ass to name just a couple who have been key producers throughout this tournament.
However, with Tom Boon back in the lineup for Belgium and the force of Tanguy Cosyns, this team has the potential to give the Netherlands a serious run.
All four teams left will have the opportunity to compete for a medal, win or lose. The winners of each game will move on to the gold medal match while the losers will vie for bronze