New Delhi: A plucky South Korea fought back superbly from a goal deficit to stun three-time champions the Netherlands 2-1 in an action-packed match but that was not enough to qualify for the semi-finals of the hockey World Cup on Tuesday.
In a fast-paced edge-of-the-seat Pool A thriller between fourth and fifth ranked sides in the world, the South Koreans struck back after the Dutch had taken a lightning fast lead in the first minute through Ronald Brouwer.
The lower-ranked South Koreans took control of the game from towards the end of the first half to inflict the Dutch their first defeat in the World Cup in front of a sparse crowd under floodlights at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.
Points Table
The South Koreans, who had beaten the Dutch in their last three international matches, twice in 2009 and once in 2008 - all in the Champions Trophy - fought back with goals from Hyun Woo Nam Hyun Woo Nam (31st) and Jong Ho Seo (45th).
Despite the loss, the Netherlands pipped South Korea to the post for a semi-final berth on goal difference though they have the same points - 10 each from three wins, one draw and one loss.
The Dutch, who finished second in Pool A behind Germany (11 points) had a goal difference of 10 (15 scored and five conceded) while the South Koreans, who finished third in the pool, had eight (16 scored and eight conceded).
The Netherlands will now play Pool B toppers Australia while Germany will take on Pool B runners-up England in the semi-finals on March 11.
In the classification matches, South Korea will take on Pool B third-place finishers Spain on March 12 for fifth-sixth place.
The Dutch had also their chances to equalise but all of them went abbegging. Five minutes from the final hooter, Dutch defender Geert Jan Derikx missed a golden opportunity to equalise as he failed to connect a cross from the right with an open goal in front.
Next minute, the field umpire awarded a penalty stroke to the Dutch but after an appeal by the South Koreans, the video umpire ruled against the decision.
Adding drama to the climactic end of the match, the umpire awarded a penalty corner in favour of the Netherlands but after referral, the video umpire ruled it otherwise and Dutch chance for an attempt to equalise did not materialise.
The Dutch went into the lead within 30 seconds into the match with Ronald Brouwer scoring after a fine exchange of passes between his captain Teun de Nooijer and Jeroen Hertzberger inside the South Korean 25 yard.
After the lightning fast goal, the ball went up and down the field with both teams looking for a fast counter-attack, but could not get an opening.
The nimble-footed South Koreans equalised in the 31st minute through Hyun Woo Nam whose powerful drag flick beat the veteran Dutch goalkeeper Guus Vogel all ends up.
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The Netherlands pushed more men upfront which worked well for the nippy South Koreans who made quick counter attacks.
First minute after the breather, Hye Sungh Hyun's push in front of the Dutch goal was brilliantly saved by goal-keeper Guus Vogels.
In the 42nd minute, Eun Seong Hong got a hit unchallenged inside the Dutch striking circle but he mistimed it and the feeble shot did not trouble the goalkeeper.
Three minutes later, the Koreans broke free from a counter attack and captain Jong Ho Seo scored after Sung Hoon Yoon beat the goalkkeeper with his pass inside the Dutch striking circle.
In the 58th minute, Hyok Sik You's fierce reverse stick shot after a quick interchange of passes hit the Dutch goalkeeper on the chest and went out.
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