2014 World Cup hosts the Netherlands inflicted a 8-2
annihilation on Malaysia in a World Cup warm-up game at the Kyocera Stadium
(the venue for the big-ticket event) in The Hague. Dutch penalty corner expert Mink
van der Weerden gave the third ranked side the lead before Malaysia equalized through
Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.
The Malaysian joy of producing the equalizer was short-lived as Billy Bakker doubled the lead for the Netherlands, backed by a Valetin Verga goal close to half-time as the home side led 3-1 at the break.
The orange brigade looked more goal-hungry in the second stanza – Rogier Hoffman scoring early to make the scoreline 4-1. Valetin Verga netted his second of the day and soon Billy Bakker got his second one as well as they sat pretty with a 6-1 scoreline.
Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin again scored for Malaysia as the 13th ranked side made a bid to halt the scoring spree of the Dutch. The Olympic silver medalists were not done yet - Mink van der Weerden became the third Dutch player to score a brace while Robbert Kemperman slotted in the eight goal two minutes from the final hooter as they strolled to a highly satisfying 8-2 win.
It may be noted that Malysia are pitted in Pool A alongside Australia, Belgium, England, Spain and India. The Netherlands are placed in Pool B alongside Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Argentina and South Africa.
The writer can be contacted at: suhridbarua@gmail.com
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