Men's Hockey World Cup Final 2014: Keys to Victory for Australia and Netherlands

Defending Rabobank Hockey World Cup holders Australia have returned to the final and will face the Netherlands. Both nations enjoyed contrasting semi-finals.

The Dutch survived a gruelling affair, thanks to a solitary goal that beat a resolute England team. Meanwhile, the Hockeyroos outlasted a talented Argentina squad, eventually winning, 5-1.

The Australians produced a powerful display of attacking quality with some familiar names dominating on the day.

Peter Dejong/Associated Press

Here are some keys for victory for both teams ahead of the final.

Jaap Stockmann's Form in Goal

It was all about defensive solidity for the Netherlands. That will be a major key against the rampant Australians. Jaap Stockmann will be a vital figure in the Netherlands' attempts to frustrate the Hockeyroos.

He was aided by a stout defensive showing against the English in the semi-finals. The Dutch swarmed high up the field.

That meant Stockmann wasn't exposed too often, as The Times Of India highlighted:

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England were constantly under pressure from the Dutch strikers, but managed to build some raids into the rival circle. 

Dutch custodian Jaap Stockmann, however, was not unduly troubled by the English shots at the goal.

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But Stockmann won't have such a comfortable ride against the Australians. The defending champions are bold and expressive going forward.

Netherlands coach Paul van Ass credited the Hockeyroos with playing an expansive game, and he was quoted as saying that he would rather play them. "I would prefer it to be Australia," said van Ass, via the International Hockey Federation website. 

Van Ass may be welcoming an open match, but he'll still need Stockmann to be at his best to help limit Australia's ample scoring potential.

Netherlands Must Return to its Attacking Game

Of course, the Dutch are equally capable of attacking with verve and style. Unfortunately, England rarely gave them the chance to show it, stifling the Netherlands' natural attacking instincts.

Van Ass was not impressed by the claustrophobic nature of the semi-final, per FIH.ch: "They gave us the midfield, and I understand why. But I like to play more attacking hockey, and when it is like that, we can always concede a goal."

If Van Ass wants a return to his team's forward-thinking style, he'll need players such as Mink van der Weerden and Rogier Hoffman on top form.

Jeremy Hayward Must Deliver

Jeremy Hayward was in match-winning mood in the semi-final demolition of Argentina. He's skilled and dangerous and has so far delivered in the big matches.

But it won't all be about Hayward in the final. Kieran Groves is certainly not shot-shy. His confidence, allied with the acceleration of Hayward, forms Australia's primary means of scoring.

If players like Jacob Whetton can also pull the Netherlands across the field, the Dutch will struggle to cope with Australia's forward proficiency, even on home soil. 

The Netherlands boast home advantage, along with a willingness to break forward in numbers. However, Van Ass might regret being too progressive against the kookaburras.

Australia simply possess too many potent weapons. The Hayward-led attack can propel them to a second-straight final victory.