Germany play out 2-2 draw against Netherlands

Published Sun, Mar 07 10 11:04 PM

Philem Dipak Singh New Delhi, Mar 7 (PTI) Captain Teun de Nooijer struck in dying minutes to lead the Netherlands to a thrilling 2-2 draw against defending Champions Germany in a Pool A hockey World Cup match and virtually booked a semifinal berth for his side here today. In the best match of the tournament so far the two strong sides entertained the sparse crowd at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium with their fast-paced and quick passing game. The Dutch took the lead in the 23rd minute through Wouter Jolie before the Germans made a remarkable comeback to put their nose ahead by scoring in the 44th and 63rd minutes through Oliver Korn and Jean Marco Montag respectively. Just as it looked like the all-win record of the Dutch in this World Cup will be broken, Nooijer, playing in his fifth World Cup, found the German net four minutes from the final hooter. In the much anticipated clash of the titans, three-time champions the Netherlands got four penalty corners from which they scored once while Germany, gunning for a hat-trick of titles, had two. With this draw the Dutch topped Pool A with 10 points -- from three wins and a draw -- to virtually take a spot in the semifinals. They play South Korea in their last pool match on March 9. Germany, who won the title in 2002 and 2006, are on eight points from two wins and two draws, now need to beat New Zealand to qualify for the last four stage. More PTI PDS AT

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