Hockey World League: Netherlands pip New Zealand 5-2 to set up final date with Germany

Olympic gold medallist Netherlands eves lived up to their billing, easing past New Zealand 5-2 to storm into the final of the Hockey World League Round 3 event in Rotterdam.

Playing in front of their home supporters, the world number one side struck the opening goal through Margot van Geffen in the 4^th minute.

The orange brigade doubled the advantage nine minutes later when Kim Lammers rattled the New Zealand cage.

Kelly Jonker put the hosts in the driver’s seat in the 16^th minute.

The Black Sticks were hit hard by three goals in the first sixteen minutes of play. They did reduce the margin when Petrea Webster deflected home in the 25^th minute as Netherlands led 3-1 at half-time.

The home side put the issue to rest as Kim Lammers, adding her second goal to her tally, made the scoreline 4-1 before Kitty van Male sounded the board a minute later.

New Zealand produced a consolation goal through Katie Glynn in the 62^nd minute, but the outcome of the match was never in doubt as the Dutch cruised home in style much to the joy of their supporters.

They now play 5^th ranked Germany, who overcame spunky 8^th ranked South Korea 3-2. Germany were sitting pretty with a early Lydia Hasse goal, which allowed them to hold on to the lead in the first half.

South Korea rebounded in the second half – not only churning out the equalizer, but also pulling ahead through double strikes from Seul Ki Cheon.

With five minutes remaining for the final hooter, Germany were in danger of crashing out. But captain Juliana Muller converted a much-needed penalty corner in the 66^th minute to bring her side back in the game, before Eleen Hoffmann came up with a sensational 69^th goal to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat even as the Koreans did not know what hit them.