Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup : Netherlands, Belgium complete the quarter finals line up
Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup : Netherlands, Belgium complete the quarter finals line up Runners up in two prestigious events – Olympic games (Belgium) and World Cup (Netherlands)- moved to the last eight round of the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. While Belgium made short work of former World champions Pakistan 5-0, Netherlands had little difficulty in disposing off the challenge of Canada in the last round of cross-over games. Netherlands won 5-0 to earn the right to challenge the hosts, India. Incidentally eight of the last 12 games have seen winners scoring five or more goals compared to round two of pool matches in which five of eight games had ended in draws. Dam van Thijs became the second player from Netherlands to complete a hat trick of goals in this tournament. Otherwise it was the third hat trick. Dam van Thijs scored the fifth goal in the 58th minute besides scoring the second and third goals for his team. Netherlands with a clean record against Canada – 11 wins from as many matches – started on an impressive note by working out brilliant moves to keep the Canadian defense on its toes. Runners up in the last edition of the World Cup, Netherlands did face some difficulties as Canadian defence attempted to resist all attempts. So determined were North Americans that they even saved a penalty stroke. After a barren first quarter, Netherlands came back with determination to break the goalless deadlock. In the opening minute of the second quarter, the Dutch not only got a goal through Balk Lar but also forced a penalty stroke. Jeroen Herzberger, who scored the first hat trick of goals of the tournament, took a low flick on the left side of goalkeeper David Carter that was easily padded away. However, Dar van Thijs made it 2-0 with a stinging shot from the roof top after intercepting a long pass. David Carter was later adjudged man of the match. Though Canada did try to work out some moves and attack its opponents but the Dutch looked far superior in run of play. At times the game remained confined to 23 meters area of Canadian half. Two goals in the third quarter consolidated Netherlands control over the game. Dam van Thijs scored his second goal of the game in the 40th minute and a minute later Thierry Brinkmann made it 4-0. And finally Dam van Thijs completed the tally two minutes from the final whistle. Man of the match: David Carter (Canada)
