INDIA: The Netherlands played aggressively to hand Malaysia a 4-0 thrashing in the second Group C match at Rourkela.
Netherlands kick started the game with a dominating stance
The Dutch took the attack to Malaysia quickly after the game began but soon lost the ball possession to its rivals. They soon regained it thanks to some attacking play.
The Netherlands had a chance to score, but Janssen couldn’t get the ball past the Malaysian goalkeeper.
The Speedy Tigers brought out some spectacular display of defence to save the penalty corner awarded to the Netherlands after the ball touched the feet of a Malaysian defender. The two teams exchanged possession throughout the goalless first quarter.
The Dutch scored twice in the second quarter in the form of Van Dam, who scored in the 20th minute, and Jip Janssen from a successful penalty stroke. After an illegal tackle on Jonas de Geus, the referee awarded the penalty stroke for the Netherlands.
Malaysia received a scoring opportunity through a penalty corner, but Faizal Saari flicked the ball wide on a rebound after the Netherlands goalkeeper saved the first attempt. The Dutch were reduced to 10 members for two minutes after the referee showed Jorrit Croon the green card.
The Netherlands dominated the first two-quarters of the game with 70% ball possession and fifteen Malaysian circle penetrations, compared to their rival’s three.
Malaysia missed multiple scoring chances in the third quarter, which ended goalless after the Dutch captain limped off the field on one leg.
The loss of their captain didn’t deter the Dutch, who scored their third goal off a penalty corner soon after the fourth quarter began. Teun Beins converted the penalty corner and scored his first senior international goal.
Jorrit Croon scored in the final minute with his back facing the goal to hit his team’s fourth goal of the match.
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