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With Australia eking out a draw against Germany and India slipping to a narrow defeat against England, the action in Pool B is heating up in the FIH Hockey World League Final. It is no different in Pool A as both opening matches turned out to be close affairs.
Having suffered a surprise defeat against Spain, European powerhouse Netherlands will look to gain momentum by putting up a strong performance in their clasagainst reigning Olympic champions Argentina on Sunday. The gold medallists from Rio 2016 got a taste of their own medicine when they lost to Belgium 2-3 on Saturday.
The Dutchmen, who were vanquished by Spain by a 2-3 margin, will have to make sure that their defence is completely packed against Argentina. Their back line was left open and the Spaniards capitalised by striking three goals without breaking a sweat. Two of those goals came from penalty corners. Even though Lars Balk and Mirco Pruyser came out all guns blazing, they failed to rescue the team from the jaws of defeat.
Meanwhile, Argentina will be focusing on almost the same areas where Netherlands should work hard on. Having squandered a goal to Belgium in the very first quarter, the Olympic champions struggled to find the goalpost until the 52nd minute when Maico Casella struck the ball into the net. Despite a penalty corner conversion by Gonzalo Peillat in the 57th minute, they were not able to challenge the Belgians.
On the other hand, Belgium will be looking forward to tame a resurgent Spain who are upbeat after their win against Netherlands. One more victory for the Belgians will place them in good stead as the action shifts to the knockout phase.
Here is the schedule for the Pool A matches on Sunday.
Belgium vs Spain - 1730 IST
Netherlands vs Argentina - 1930 IST
