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Oz, Dutch rivalry to be witnessed in hockey WC semis
With an elusive world title in sight, Australia and the Netherlands would lock horns against each other in the first semifinal of the Hero Honda FIH World Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on Thursday.
New Delhi: With an elusive world title in
sight, Australia and the Netherlands would lock horns against
each other in the first semifinal of the Hero Honda FIH World
Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on Thursday.
Going by their past 4-4 win-loss record in the
tournament, there is little to seperate the two hockey
powerhouses.
But a win tomorrow would not only earn one of the teams a
spot in the title clash but also give them an edge when it
boils down to rivalry between the two countries in the
tournament.
For Australia, this year`s World Cup has an added
significance after having finished runners-up in the previous
two editions of the tournament in Kuala Lumpur (2002) and
Monchengladbach, Germany (2006).
Holland, on the other hand, have a point to prove before
the hockey fraternity following their recent slump in
performance. The Dutch have won the World Cup thrice, the last
of which came 12 years ago at Utrecht in 1998, inspite of
having the most vibrant domestic structure back home.
The in-form Aussies have so far displayed a ruthless
performance on the turf after their opening shocker against
England and Ric Charlesworth`s boys would be hoping to carry
on the same intensity in the knock-out stages to make it third
time lucky for the Kookaburras.
The 2-3 defeat against England in their opening match
seemed to have come as blessing in disguise for the Aussies as
it helped them to tie up the loose strings, if any, to ensure
their relentless march in Pool B.
Therafter, the Australians defeated Olympic silver
medallist Spain 2-0, India 5-2, South Africa 12-0 and Pakistan
2-1 to top Pool B and show their might in world hockey.
Apart from the one off-day against England, the
Kookaburras looked in top form in all departments of the game
be it fitness, speed, ground coverage, men-to-men marking or
attack.
The Australians, coached by a shrewd tactician Ric
Charlesworth, possess a lethal forwardline in captain Jamie
Dwyer, Glenn Turner and Desmond Abbott, while in Luke Doerner
they have an able penalty corner specialist, who missess his
target very seldom.
The Kookaburras charge has been led by penalty corner ace
Doerner, whose six goals so far puts him on top of the leading
scorers` list alongside Dutchman Taeke Taekema.
Dwyer and fellow-striker Turner too have shown their
mettle up front for Australia, who have come into the
tournament at the back of their Champions Trophy triumph at
home last year, with five goals apiece.
"We wanted to be in the semifinals and we are now there.
Who we meet in the semifinals does not matter. We are a good
team and we have no problem in playing any team in the
semifinals," Charlesworth has said.
The match would also be a treat to watch as both
Australia and The Netherlands are known for their one-touch
fast-paced hit and run style of play.
They Australians are the second-ranked side in the world
even though Olympic and World Cup records (just one gold medal
each) do not match with their formidable prowess.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, are very lucky to
have progressed to the last four stage, pipping Korea on just
a goal margin.
The lacklustre Dutch side, placed fourth in world
rankings, undoubtedly have to lift their performance against
Australia if they wish to make a match out ot the semifinal
encounter, leave aside victory.
The Tuen de Nooijer-led side started with a bang with
three consecutive wins against Argentina, New Zealand and
Canada but lost their way in the latter half of the pool
stages, having drawn 1-1 against a young and inexperienced
German side and then lose 1-2 at the hands of Korea.
Ace dragflicker Taeke Taekema seemed to have lost his
magic touch after registering the first hat-trick of the
tournament against Argentina.
Holland coach Michel van den Heuval feels semifinal would
be a totally different encounter and his side has learnt from
their mistakes in the last two Pool A matches.
"We are gaining experience from every game, but the
semifinal will be a new match. We have to get more spin, more
power on to the ball to make it difficult for the
Australians," he said.
Veteran captain Nooijer, who is playing his fifth and
last World Cup, agreed with his coach.
"Australia are big favourites, but again semifinal is a
different match. It will be a tough game against Australia,"
he said.
PTI
PTI