Netherlands thrash Pakistan in World Hockey League

KARACHI: Pakistan were thrashed 4-0 by the Netherlands in their first match of Hockey World League Semi-final Round at London’s Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Thursday.

Ranked fourth in the world, Netherlands are the top side in this pool. And they showed that against the 13th ranked Pakistan.

The Dutch played at a relentless pace and scored a goal in each quarter.

They completely dominated the first 15 minutes. In the 6th minute, a left side foray resulted in an attempt on the goal and off the rebound, Thierry Brinkman, son of legendary Jacques Brinkman, double Olympics and World Cup gold medalist, put the ball in the cage.

Pakistan began the second quarter in a spectacular fashion and created three chances in the first five minutes.

A Dilber attempt came off the post. The game evened out; up and down stuff was seen. However, the Netherlands doubled the advantage in the 25th minute. Micro Pruijser standing close to the goal availed himself of a wonderful diagonal pass from the left side.

The Green-shirts again enjoyed a good spell at the start of the third quarter. But Ali Shan and skipper Haseem failed to make use of the chances. Later, the Netherlands wrested the initiative and their sustained aggression caused errors by the Pakistan defence. They had three penalty corners in a quick succession, the last of which was converted in the 42nd minute when Mink van der Weerden’s strong flick on the fifth PC found the top of the net. 

The Dutch also had the better of the exchanges in the last 15 minutes. After wasting their sixth PC, a delightful one-touch move was finished well by Robert Kemperman.

In other matches, Argentina scraped past South Korea 2-1, India overwhelmed Scotland 4-1, and England defeated China 2-0.