Thursday, December 12, 2013

Junior Men's World Cup: Netherlands become the first team to reach semifinals




2009 runners-up Netherlands became the first team to reach the semifinals of the FIH 10th Hero Junior Men’s World Cup hockey tournament when they prevailed over New Zealand 3-2 in an engaging contest at the Major Dhyan Chand National Hockey Stadium in New Delhi.

The Dutch made the first dent on the scoresheet when Thierry Brinkman rattled the Black Sticks’ cage in the 28th minute and ensured they held on to the lead at half-time.

England came down hard on Netherlands in the second half and evened things up when Nicholas Woods converted a short corner in the 38th minute. However, New Zealand’s joy was short-lived as a minute later Thierry Brinkman was again in the goal-scoring act enabling the Dutch regain the lead.

The orange brigade went more on the offensive and struck the third goal when Tom Hiebendaal made the most of a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute.

Trailing 1-3, England, had no option but to attack and claw their way back into the contest and they did raised the visions of serious fightback when Benedtic van Woerkom produced the margin-reducer in the 60th minute.

England had ten minutes to make a match of it, but the Dutch soaked up all the pressure and marched into the semifinals where they will meet the winner of the Australia-Germany match.


Picture Courtesy FIH

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