Champions Trophy: Netherlands emerge on top in battle of European giants

Bhubaneswar: World Cup silver medallists the Netherlands spanked Olympic champions Germany 4-1 in the much-anticipated clash of Pool B, to register their second successive win in the Champions Trophy, here on Sunday.

In a clash between two European giants, the Netherlands dished out a commanding performance to race to 3-0 lead at halftime.

The world ranked second Dutch outfit was in complete control in the major part of the match and scored goals with precision against the crumbling defence of World No. 3 Germany.

Constantijn Jonker scored Netherlands first goal with a reverse stick shot from top of the circle in the 11th minute. The Dutch pumped in two more field goals in the second quarter through Diede van Puffelen (25th) and Rogier Hofman (29th) to find themselves in a comfortable position at the break.

Van Puffelen scored his second goal of the tournament from close range from a left wing attack before Hofman tripled the Netherlands lead with a thunderous shot.

The Germans had their chances in the second quarter but could not breach the defence of Dutch goalie Jaap Stockmann. Nine minutes from the final hooter, the Netherlands scored their fourth goal when Jeroen Herzberger beautifully finished a pacy attack with a neat touch to Seve van Ass' backhand cross.

The Germans scored a consolation goal through Florian Fuchs with five minutes left. With two wins from as many games, the Netherlands lead Pool B with six points, while Germany have just two points from their 1-0 win over India last night.

The Netherlands will face hosts India in their last pool match on Tuesday, while Germany will take on Argentina.