AMSTELVEEN, Netherlands, ⁠Aug 27 (Reuters) - The Netherlands edged ⁠co-hosts Belgium 1-0 in a controversial ‌Women’s Hockey World Cup semi-final on Thursday to advance to an eighth successive ​final.

They will meet either Argentina ⁠or Australia ⁠in the decider on Saturday after Frederique ⁠Matla’s ‌28th-minute goal from a quick counter-attack saw them ⁠through.

Belgium thought they had equalised five ​minutes from ‌the end through Famke van ⁠Heel but ​the effort was ruled out by the VAR after an obstruction ⁠by a teammate in the ​circle, to the consternation of the Belgians.

The Dutch women are chasing a ⁠fourth successive World Cup title, and a record-extending 10th overall title, having won the previous editions in ​2014, 2018 and ⁠2022.

Argentina and Australia were meeting in ​Wavre, Belgium, later ‌in Thursday’s second semi-final.

(Writing ​by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Clare Fallon)