BEL-W Vs AUS-W Dream 11 prediction: Australia look to keep mounting the position on the first and second placed teams when they take on Belgium.
What had begun as a dream start for Belgium has all fallen apart for the country over the course of the previous month. After putting in resounding showing to find themselves right in the reckoning for a semi-final spot, the country have floundered at the most important time, finding themselves languishing in sixth place.
It’s not just been the defeats for Belgium but the manner in which they have squandered the incentive over their closest compatriots which makes for a torrid viewing. They’ve now lost five straight matches, a run of form which has ended their quest of a top 4 spot.
Belgium’s recent 3-0 defeat at the hands of New Zealand perfectly embodied everything wrong with the side at the moment. Their aberration of finding the goals was well documented but now they’ve failed to keep the goals from leaking as well with the defence deciding to resonate the attacking department.
Now left with their final two matches, Belgium know that these occasions are nothing but a means at proving a point. They can still win the two matches and subsequently show the world that when they are at their best, they can upstage any team in the world.
It’s not going to be the easiest of tasks for them come Wednesday though. The side are up against Australia, a team who in third position have scored the second most number of goals along with putting on a barrage of resolute defending to find themselves in with a shot of making the top 2.
Probable Winner
With 15 goals in their previous five outings, Australia have gone onto get 12 points from an available 15, a steak which extends to four straight wins now. The side have been just too strong, unleashing an absolute onslaught on defences as they encapsulate everything a hockey side needs to get right when going forward.
In Belgium, they are facing a side that doesn’t have the slightest bit of belief in it. The players look to have given up on a tournament which has sapped the energy out of them and with nothing left to play for, Australia could make a mockery out of them today. Australia are going to cruise by this encounter and register a resounding win.
Goal-Keeper
One of the few areas we have opted to pick up a Belgium player, this pick was one which came about unanimously. This might be an inconsequential match for her country but don’t expect Aisling to treat it like one. She’s been the only thing saving her side from embarrassing score-lines and is going to play a critical role once again today.
Defenders
Up against a side who have managed just 19 goals in 14 matches, an Australian defence which itself has given away just 19 is extremely likely to walk away with a cleansheet here. And keeping that in mind, we have heavily bolstered our Dream 11 side with defenders from the country.
In what is a trio of defensive picks from the country, we have selected Fitzpatrick, Nobbs and Kenny to come and amass a bagful of points for us. The main headache was roping in players who are certain to get enough playing time in this match and we fully expect these three to be the main contenders for this match.
We see Belgium get a selection as well, purely given on how resilient a defensive side they can be when they are functioning at their best. Puvrez is the lone pick to come in for us from the side.
Midfielders
Our main agenda before we began crafting the middle of the park was the fact that we wanted to pick up three Australian striking options. And keeping that in mind, we have compensated our side with the players from Belgium with a two woman selection in Gerniers and Leclef.
Claxton becomes the sole player from Australia to make an entry into our line-up over here.
Forwards
This was the one facet we were anticipating the most when we began our quest of building our team and its an all Australian strike force being doled out by us. A combination we’ve rarely turned to across the league, this is the perfect match to divulge into it given the 34 goals Australia have scored in their stay in the tournament.
Chalker, Fitzpatrick and Malone all come in for us with us expecting Australia to pile on the goals with sublime grace and will.
Captain And Vice-Captain
Fitzpatrick in defence is our captain for this one while we’ve opted for striker Chalker to be handed over the duties of vice-captain.
Match Details
FIH Women’s Pro League
Match: Belgium Vs Australia
Date And Time: 19th June, Wednesday- 11:00pm IST
Venue: Wilrijkse Plein Antwerp, Antwerp
Full team
Disclaimer: This team is made on the basis of our research for the game. This XI is what we think would work – you’re free to choose your own XI.
