Germans, Dutch split points

Defending champions Germany were held to a draw by the Netherlands in a thrilling encounter on Sunday.

The Pool A match between Germany and the Netherlands lived up to its billing as the game of the tournament as they drew 2-2 at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

The result threw open the group with the Dutch retaining their place at the top of the table with 10 points while Germany follow with eight. This leaves New Zealand (six) and Korea (four) with outside possibilities of semi-final berths. Argentina and Canada are already out of the tournament.

The Dutch had taken a lead in the first half via a penalty corner converted by Wouter Jolie. The Germans joined the party in the second with Oliver Korn and Jan-Marco Montag scoring within 20 minutes of each other. A 65th minute goal from Teun de Nooijer helped the Netherlands draw level.

The game started off at a brisk rate, with Germany, desperate for a win, holding strong in the midfield and attacking the Dutch from the right flank.

The Netherlands were able to stave off repeated German intrusions into their circle throughout the first half and were lucky that Philip Witte’s pass did not find his team-mate in the second minute.

The Oranje got their fair share of chances but were unable to convert a penalty corner in the 3rd minute when Taeke Taekema’s drag-flick was successfully countered by the German defence, compact as usual.

Korn created a brilliant scoring chance for the top seeds but found Dutch goal-keeper Guus Vogels too good to handle.

The Netherlands finally got ahead in the 23rd minute when Jolie converted the second penalty corner for his team, sending the sparse visiting supporters to frenzy.

Matthias Witthaus tried to equalise for Germany a minute before the hooter but his reverse shot ended up wide of the board.

Despite trailing 1-0, the Germans came out all guns blazing after the breather and their razor sharp work near the Dutch circle paid dividends in the 44th minute when Korn deflected in a stunning cross by Christoph Menke.

In fact, the world number one, turning out in their regulation black and white had a great chance to go ahead in the 45th minute but Vogels stood strong against an attempt from Wess Benjamin.

The Netherlands, spurred on by some loud cheering across the ground were well on their way to regain their lead minutes later but Rogier Hofman’s deft stroke finished wide off the nets.

The Germans took the lead in the 63rd minute when Montag netted in a rebound from the crossbar.

Keeping in chord with the high-octane match, the Dutch retaliated immediately, in the 65th minute, to steal a march into the German defence and skipper de Nooijer sounded the board, battling a strongly manned circle.

Germany had a golden opportunity to seal a thrilling win but they failed to convert a penalty corner in the last minute of the game.

Germany next play New Zealand while the Netherlands take on Korea on Tuesday in what are now virtual quarterfinals.