Australia played defense and converted on their few chances to defeat Germany and advance to the gold medal match against Belgium. Australia scored first on a beautiful ball from Blake Govers led Flynn Ogilvie to belt a shot to Tim Brand who deflected the ball in. Lachlan Sharp gave up a penalty corner to Germany, and Lukas Windfeder scored to tie the game. Govers earned a penalty corner and beat the stick of Tobias Hauke to take the lead into halftime. 

(Photo/Adam Head Photographer)

Final Push and Gold Medal Match

There was no scoring in the third quarter, and in the fourth with three minutes left, Germany substituted their goalkeeper. Australia capitalized, with Sharp redeeming himself with a goal that put the game away for good. The men's gold medal match occurs Thursday at 6 am Eastern time. For Australia, winning gold would be their first gold in field hockey since 2004. They will have to contain Alexander Hendrickx, who has netted 15 goals in Tokyo while scoring three in the semifinals to push Belgium to the finals. Australia must limit penalty corners as India gave up 14 penalty corners to Belgium and allowed three goals.

For Belgium, they must put pressure on Australia while staying in a good position. Australia can move in transition well and are comfortable defending. Belgium put the game out of reach against India in the fourth quarter where they had possession almost the entire time. Australia is set up to defend those possessions and turn to offense quickly. The gold medal match promises to be an exciting and most likely high-scoring affair. 

Up Next

Men's gold medal match: Australia vs Belgium, Thursday, August 5, 6:00 am Eastern.

Men's bronze medal match: India vs Germany, Wednesday, August 4, 9:30 pm. Eastern.