Australia book final spot after ending Dutch title defence at Hockey World League Final

Jamie Dwyer had an influential match on his 350th appearance for Australia ©Getty Images

Australia ended The Netherlands’ defence of the Hockey World League Final title after winning a thrilling tie to book their place in the final in Raipur, India.

The Dutch team had boasted an unbeaten record heading into the semi-final clash with the world number one ranked nation, but they found themselves on the back foot during the opening exchanges in front of packed crowd.

Australia’s Dylan Wotherspoon gave his side the lead after he diverted a cross into the Dutch net in the eighth minute following inventive play from Jamie Dwyer, making his 350th appearance for his country.

Their advantage was doubled soon after as Daniel Beale fired a rebound beyond Jaap Stockmann after the Dutch goalkeeper had blocked a shot from a penalty corner.

The Europeans were able to revive their hopes of reaching the final with Constantijn Jonker and Mirco Pruijser scoring in a five-minute spell, either side of the half-time interval.

Australia regained their composure, however, to stem several Dutch attacks and regained the lead following a patient move, culminating in Matt Gohdes turning a Beale effort into the net.

Although they had nearly 20 minutes to get back on level terms the Dutch team proved unable to break down a strong Australian defence, who were able to hold out for a 3-2 victory.

Australia will meet the winners of the second semi-final between Belgium and hosts India ©Getty Images

"It doesn’t feel like I’ve played 350 games, to be honest with you,” Dwyer reflected afterwards.

“I just want to go out there and play hockey for my country, and to do it so many times, I’m very proud and honoured to do so.

“Every time I go out there I just really enjoy wearing the green and gold shirt and representing my country.

"I guess this year I had something to prove, both to myself and to those people who didn’t think I could do it at 36-years of age, it's good to be out there, not just participating but also having an influence.”

Australia are set to face either Belgium or host nation India for the title, with the two due competing in the second semi-final tomorrow.

Argentina earned fifth place by beating Britain ©Getty Images

Meanwhile, Argentina ensured they finished the tournament as the fifth placed team after overcoming Britain, in a meeting between the two losing quarter-finalists, who had ended with the highest tally of points in the pool phase.

The result rarely looked in doubt after a goal from Gonzalo Peillat and a brace by Pedro Ibarra put Argentina into a 3-0 lead after 18 minutes, with all the efforts coming from penalty corners.

British hopes were raised in the final 10 minutes when Simon Mantell found the net following another penalty corner, but their prospects of a comeback were extinguished moments later when Peillat scored his second of the game.

A late flurry saw the British score a consolation through Phil Roper but their campaign, which had started so promisingly, ended with a 4-2 loss.