New Zealand vs Argentina

The Black Sticks scraped through by the skin of their teeth here, but were rewarded for a sound display that could have easily gone more in their favour. The Black Sticks are playing some great hockey, stringing passes together, putting pressure on their opposition and their defence continues to improve. Against Argentina we saw the continuation of their improvement but they couldn't put the majority of their chances away which kept the South Americans in the game. Kane Russell again scored for the Kiwis with a well executed flick but his team mates have the opportunity to not rely on penalty corners if they can take their chances. Dean Cousins unfortunately missed a great opportunity when his penalty stroke hit the post which is usually bread and butter for the Kiwi skipper. Argentina came back with a good strike mid way through the second half before the game went to a penalty shootout. These shootouts are awesome, player vs keeper, 8 seconds on the clock, what you got? A bit of drama followed as they traded misses and the Argentina keeper decided to tackle a few of our blokes but it was Blair Hilton who slotted a reverse shot from a few metres off the baseline to seal the deal. 

Australia vs India

Wow, what I would have done to have been a part of the local supporting contingent when India went 2-0 up early in the first half. They were both very well taken goals, in true Indian fashion but they couldn't maintain their lead as Australia stormed back to end up the victors 7-2. The Aussies play a special style of hockey that is unique to them and their sublime passing and high work rate resulted in a big victory. The Kookaburras were able to withstand the initials stages only conceding the two goals and their superior fitness resulted in them being able to roll forward with ease.

Netherlands vs Germany

The Germans would have thought that had walked in to a hockey hell when Mink van der Weerden put the Dutch ahead in the opening minute. The Germans would have been confident of a come back but their resolve was tested when Seve van Ass beautifully touched a deflection in to the goal just before half time. The Dutch would face a much stiffer opposition in the second half however as the Germans rallied back and were rewarded when Florian Fuchs dribbled in to the circle, to the baseline and gave Oliver Korn a simple tap in. 2-1 and the Germans were defending for their lives before they had a goal over turned late in the game. 

England vs Belgium

England and Belgium battled hard in a game which was a war of attrition. English goalie George Pinner was named man of the match and kept England in the contest thanks to some fantastic work between the pipes. The England players owe their goalie a few beers for his work, but it was Tom Carson who managed to get the winning goal with a drag flick.Both teams will be lameting missed opportunities but at least the English have another chance.

Now to the semi finals. Any hockey fan would be relishing the opportunity to see the best teams go head to head and the fact that there are Kiwis involved makes it that much better!

The Black Sticks have a real opportunity to do something special here. One look at their result against England in pool play will show a bit of a thumping. This however isn't a fair reflection of how the Black Sticks performed, especially before Ashley Jackson slotted a drag flick and momentum swung in England's favour. The Kiwis looked good as they rolled forward with fluid passing and great skill but couldn't manage to convert this great work in to goals. This will be high on the agenda as the Black Sticks can't afford to let opportunities slip and will need to either stay in the contest for as long as possible or get a go ahead goal. The midfielders will be crucial as they will be responsible for getting passing movements flowing, holding the ball and supporting the strikers. Look to Steve Edwards, Arun Panchia, Phil Burrows and Shea McAleese to look to dominate the midfield, which will be a tough ask against a great English unit. The Black Sticks defence will have to be on form, but this will be a team effort. It will be all hands on deck to ensure to cheap penalty corners are conceded and entries in to their circle are limited. England will be strong, they'll be confident - rightfully so given how they have played. Hopefully the Black Sticks are able to shake things up a bit!

The Australia vs Netherlands match will be one that will make many hockey fans drool. Two of hockey's powerhouses coming together at semi final time. Both teams play with amazing skill and ability but have differing styles that will make for fantastic viewing. The Aussies will be aggressive and physical. Don't expect to see any Dutch player with time on the ball as the Kookaburras will be looking to put a heap of pressure on the Dutch. I can't imagine the Dutch defenders will be getting much sleep tonight as they think about the prospect of 2 or 3 Australians putting them under the pump. The Dutch have the ability and know how to be able to deal with this threat however and I'm looking forward to seeing the skill of the Dutch midfielders coming forward. As a neutral, I just want to see hockey at its finest. Fine defending, amazing dribbles and the best finishing you'll ever see. It would be stupid of me to make a prediction, I'm just going to sit back and be entertained.