In front of a partisan home crowd, the Dutch were in control for large periods of the contest but had to wait until the third quarter to break the deadlock.

Mink van der Weerden was the man to register, netting with a drag flick following a penalty corner after 36 minutes.

A second goal arrived just seven minutes later after Mirco Pruijser found the target with a first time effort from close range, before India pulled one back early in the fourth quarter courtesy of Kangujam Chinglesana who took advantage of a penalty corner rebound.

That goal gave the hosts hope, but Roel Bovendeert restored the two-goal lead for the Dutch by smashing in off the crossbar in the closing stages.

The success means the Dutch finish the pool stage unbeaten with two victories and a draw, and topping the group earns them a supposedly easier quarter-final tie against the country which finishes bottom of Pool A.

With every team reaching the last eight regardless of their group stage performance, India have also advanced but will face a tricky test - on paper at least - against the Pool A winners after finishing last in their section.

In the second game to be played today, Argentina beat Germany - also 3-1 - to secure second place ahead of their rivals.

Gonzalo Peillat scored a double for the third match in succession for the Argentinians as they proved to be too strong for the back-to-back Olympic champions.

His first came from a penalty corner 17 minutes into the contest but Germany levelled when Niklas Wellen found the target.

In the third quarter, Argentina’s Joaquin Menini was brought down by Germany goalkeeper Nico Jacobi, who was subsequently yellow carded, but Juan Gilardi's penalty stroke was superbly saved by sub stopper Andreas Spack.

It did not matter for Argentina though, as Matias Paredes pounced from close range to restore their lead before Peillat completed his brace.

Argentina will now play the third-placed Pool A side in the quarter-finals, with third placed Germany set to meet the runners-up from the corresponding group.

Group A is due to conclude tomorrow at the International Hockey Federation tournament with Great Britain - who currently lead the way with a 100 per cent record - facing Belgium who have won one and lost one.

World number one ranked Australia, who have the same record as the Belgians, will play Canada who have lost both of their games so far.


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