DEREK Forsyth’s young Scotland men’s side were far from disgraced after losing 3-0 to world No 4-ranked Netherlands in their second pool match at the World League semi-finals in London.
The important issue is that the Scots are still above bottom team Pakistan on goal difference and that could be crucial if they are to claim a place in the quarter-finals. The two sides square off tomorrow.
Coach Forsyth said: “We started well and played some good hockey, but the Dutch are a top team. It would have been nice to have scored but they showed everyone how to play hockey today. I don’t think we’ve been at our best yet in this tournament, so we’ll be looking to improve again in our next game.”
The Dutch started with confidence and Tim Atkins had to look lively to ward off the danger but it was Scotland who grabbed the opening penalty corner. However, Willie Marshall’s low drag flick evaded the outstretched sticks of Nicky Parkes and Kenny Bain to leave the goalkeeper with a simple save.
The Scots came under more pressure and goalkeeper Tommy Alexander had to bat clear a Dutch penalty corner while only some superb defending by Callum Duke kept the scoresheet blank. Towards the end of the first quarter, Lee Morton drove into the Dutch circle only to be crowded out. Just after that, Robbert Kemperman put the Netherlands in front with a well-taken goal.
There was a notable increase in Dutch pressure in the second quarter and Mink van der Weerden had his set-piece effort brilliantly saved by Alexander while a Jonas de Geus scoop sailed just over the bar. The Scots almost levelled when Bain fired the ball across the goalkeeper but Wei Adams just failed to get a connection.
At the start of the second half, Van der Weerden sent his first penalty corner wide, but minutes later the Dutch set-piece expert picked his spot to double his side’s tally.
The Scots retaliated with pressure of their own, but a dangerous pass from Gavin Byers was cut out as it headed for Bain, then the HGC striker had the ball touched away from him as he dived to push the ball home.
Bain, who was now causing the Dutch problems, put Alan Forsyth through but the Surbiton player failed to control the bobbling ball.
Six minutes into the final quarter the Dutch added a third through Valentine Verga. The Scots defence consolidated to prevent any further goals, although Alexander had to make another top save.
In the other pool match, India beat Canada 3-0 to share top spot with the Netherlands. Although the Scots have lost two games from two, they have played the top seeds, and will now seek to take points off Pakistan and Canada in their bid for a place in the World Cup finals next year.
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