Olympic champions Netherlands orchestrated a splendid rally to vanquish England 3-2 to rack up their second win in the FIH Women’s Hockey World League final being played in San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina.
The oranje brigade did take the lead in the 6th minute through a penalty corner drag-flick strike from captain Maartje Paumen, but had to weather stiff resistance from the English girls, who levelled the issue two minutes before the half-time hooter when Georgie Twigg deflected a penalty corner flick from Kate Richardson-Walsh.
Both teams were locked 1-1 at the breather.
The second half saw England up the ante and they were rewarded when the Duch leaked an own goal.
An upset looked on the cards as the Netherlands trailed with just three minutes left on the clock.
It was left to Maartje Paumen to keep her side in the contest as she fired a short corner and a minute later, the Dutch supporters were rejoicing when Kitty van Male produced the match-clincher to ensure they keep the top spot in Pool A.
In another Pool A game, Korea rode on a face-saving goal from striker Park Mi Hyun to pull off a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Germany.
Korea, who squandered a two-goal lead to lose 2-6 to England in their opening game, should feel content with the final outcome, while for Germany it was a setback as they had lost their opener by a big margin to the Netherlands (they lost 0-6).
Earlier Germany took the lead via Eileen Hoffmann Jang Soo Ji while Korea restored parity through Park Mi Hyun. The Germans regained the lead after Korea conceded an own goal.
Meanwhile, Australia are perched at the top in Pool B after they swamped China 5-1. Emily Smith scored twice for the Hockeyroos, while Claire Messent, Kelly White and Jodie Schulz netted one each. Wang Mengyu scored a consolation goal for China, who looked flat after their opening 2-0 win over New Zealand.
Hosts and current world champions Argentina came from behind to get the better of New Zealand 2-1 to consign the Black Sticks to their second defeat on the trot.
Delfina Merino rattled the New Zealand cage twice after the home side trailed courtesy a early strike by Anita Punt.
The FIH Women’s Hockey World League final will have a rest day on Monday before the action resumes on Tuesday.
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