A semis spot in pocket, Nooijer happy despite defeat

Published Tue, Mar 09 10 10:08 PM

New Delhi, Mar 9 (PTI) They suffered their first defeat of the tournament today but the Netherlands skipper Tuen de Nooijer is a happy man as they have already realised their aim -- a semifinal berth -- at the hockey World Cup here. The Dutch lost 1-2 to Korea in their last Pool A match. Nooijer said blamed the defeat on uncashed chances against the nimble-footed Koreans. "I am happy with the semifinal spot. It is pity to lose but we reached the semifinals and that''s what counts. We had some chances, especially in the final minutes but could not capitalise on them, otherwise we could have drawn the match. "But Korea played very well. They had two corners and converted one," he told reporters after coming tentalisingly close to losing their last-four stage place. Korea needed to beat Holland by a two goal margin to join Germany in the semifinals from Pool A but what they could manage was only a 2-1 result. Asked whether their dip in performance in the last two matches after three straight wins is matter of concern going into the semis where they face formidable Australia, Nooijer said, "You can''t win every match. Semifinal is a totally new match and we are confident. "Australia are big favourites. They are playing well but again semifinal is a different match. No doubt it would be a tough match." More PTI SSC AT

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