The Netherlands’ campaign in the Hero Hockey World league Final was in tatters from the very first match which they lost 2-5 to Argentina. However, they manufactured a stunning comeback to beat Australia twice, including in the semifinal and halted Germany’s progress in the quarters. That showed they were firmly in control after initial hiccups.
And in the title showdown on Saturday evening, the Dutch team completed the turnaround with a comprehensive 7-2 win over New Zealand and became the inaugural champions of HWl.
The Paul van Ass-coached side hardly put a foot wrong and slammed one goal after another which came from the sticks of Constantijn Jonker (17th, 35th and 61st), Billy Bakker (23rd and 59th), Bob de Voogd (36th) and Rogier Hofman (45th).
For the Blacksticks, Steve Edwards scored a brace in the 37th and 52nd minute. The world number seventh Kiwis didn’t play that bad but their effort was subdued by the Oranje, who were simply brilliant in all areas of the game.
In the third-place match, England rode on goals from Tom Carson (13th) and skipper Barry Middleton (54th) to beat Australia 2-1 and claim bronze medal. Kookaburras’ solitary goal came from Glenn Turner in the 16th minute.
Earlier, Germany beat Argentina 2-1 to finish seventh.
After the match, a barrage of awards was announced. German mid-fielder Tobias Hauke was declared Player of the Year while the FIH Talent of the Year went to another German Christopher Ruhr, who also had won the player of the junior World Cup held a month ago, here.
The Awards (HWl 2014)
Best Junior Player: Mandeep Singh (India)
Best Goal-keeper: George Pinner (England)
Highest Goal-scorer: Kieran Govers (6 goals by the Australian)
Player of the tournament: Robbert Kemperman (The Netherlands)