The Netherlands will meet Germany in the men’s final of this year’s Euro Hockey championships in Amstelveen on Saturday, after beating Belgium on shoot-outs in their semi-final on Thursday afternoon.

Oranje held the defending title holders and tournament favourite to a 2-2 draw in regular playing time, and Bloemendaal’s Jorrit Croon gave the Dutch the win in the shoot outs.

Coach Max Caldas said after the game he was proud of his team’s fighting spirit. ‘We were not comfortable during the match and it took us a lot of time to find our rhythm,’ he said.

In the women’s event, Oranje also meet Belgium in the semi finals. The Dutch, who are defending champions, will meet either Germany or Spain if they progress to the final, which takes place on Sunday.