Finance
Thierry Brinkman scored twice as the Netherlands defeated New Zealand 4-0 in Pool C of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup on Monday at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Brinkman scored twice in the first quarter, slamming home field goals in the second and 12th minutes. The fourth goal was scored by Koen Bijen (19th minute) and Tjep Hoedemakers (54th minute) for the Dutch, who won the title in 1973, 1990, and 1998.
The Netherlands began their quest for a fourth title with a 4-0 victory over Malaysia. On Monday, they delivered the same verdict to New Zealand, which had won their opening match 3-1 against Chile to virtually guarantee a place in the quarterfinals.
They have six points from two victories, while New Zealand and Malaysia, who defeated Chile 3-2 earlier in the day, each have three points from two games. Chile has lost both of their matches so far and has yet to score.
The Netherlands came out firing, and Brinkman capitalized on their initial attack, scoring in the second minute after a superb attack. New Zealand had a chance to tie the score in the 4th minute but they failed to capitalise on their first penalty corner.
Brinkman did not make a mistake in the 12th minute either, scoring another field goal to make it 2-0 for the world’s third-ranked team. The Dutch earned their first penalty corner just a minute before the first quarter ended, but it went awry.
The Dutch also dominated the second quarter. Koen capitalized on a good attack to score their third goal in the 19th minute. They earned their second PC this quarter, but it did not result in a goal.
Tjep Hoedemakers scored the fourth goal for the Netherlands just six minutes before the final buzzer, after a scoreless third quarter.
The Black Sticks made some attacks in the second half but were unable to earn a single PC as the Netherlands emerged easy winners.
To top the standings with an all-win record, the Netherlands must defeat Chile in their final Pool C match on Thursday. On Thursday, New Zealand and Malaysia will play to determine their position in the crossover stage. They have a theoretical chance of clinching a direct berth in the last eight, but they will need to not only win their match by a large margin, but also hope that Chile beats the Netherlands.
Source:IANS
