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Two of the 4 semifinalists of the 2018 Hockey World Cup have already been decided. England defeated Argentina 3-2 in the first quarterfinal while World Champions Australia brought the dream run of France to an end by beating them 3-0.
The winner of the quarterfinal between Germany and Belgium will face a resurgent English side in the semifinal.
Germany are currently ranked 6th in the World while Belgium are ranked 3rd as per the FIH rankings. Belgium finished 2nd in Pool C as they defeated Canada 2-1 in the first match, drew 2-2 against India in the second, and thrashed South Africa 5-1 in the third.
As a result, The Red Lions set up their crossover match against Pakistan. Shane McLeod's troops defeated the Green Machines comprehensively and the scoreline stood 5-0 in their favour.
Captain Thomas Briels, Sébastien Dockier, Félix Denayer, Simon Gougnard, Tom Boon, Loïck Luypaert, and Cédric Charlier are some of the Belgian players that are in good form and Germany must be wary of them.
John-John Dohmen had to withdraw from the squad due to bronchitis he had contracted. Belgium have got in Augustin Meurmans as his replacement. Earlier, Emmanuel Stockbroekx had withdrawn due to a hamstring injury and was replaced by Antoine Kina.
Germany finished on the top of Pool D after winning all three of their league stage matches. In the first league match, they defeated Pakistan 1-0, the second was a 4-1 triumph against the Netherlands, and the third an emphatic 5-3 win over Malaysia.
Christopher Rühr, Timm Herzbruch, Lukas Windfeder, Marco Miltkau, and skipper Martin Häner are some of the German players who have looked dangerous. The Red Lions will need to keep a close eye on them in the all-important quarterfinal game.
There is one injury concern for Germany as well. Benedikt Furk has injured himself and will be replaced by Julius Meyer.
Stefan Kermas' side will be rearing to get 4 wins out of 4 while the Red Lions will also be keen on continuing their winning streak.
Here is all you need to know about the upcoming match between Belgium and Germany:
Event: Men's Hockey World Cup 2018
Venue: Bhubaneswar, India
Date: 13 December 2018
Time: 4:45 pm Indian Standard Time (IST)
Telecast
India: Star Sports, Star Sports HD
UK: BT Sport
Australia: Fox Sports
Spain: Eurosport
New Zealand: Sky Sports (NZ)
Argentina: ESPN
South Africa: SuperSport
Live Streaming: Hotstar, FIH Official Youtube Channel
Live Updates: Sportskeeda
Prediction
The two teams have met 13 times since 2013. Germany were the superior in 6 of the matches, Belgium had the upper hand in 5, and 2 of the games ended in draws. Things are evenly balanced between the two teams, both of which have an impressive attacking unit.
However, Shane McLeod and his troops have looked more convincing. Whenever The Red Lions attack, they do it with intent, and it seems like they will make something off it.
Score Prediction: Belgium 3 - 2 Germany
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