New Zealand too clinical as German disappointment continues at FIH World League Finals

The Netherlands battled to a superb win over New Zealand ©FIH

New Zealand enjoyed a superb 3-1 victory over Germany to clinch the runners-up spot in Pool A today at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World League Finals in Rosario.

In a fast paced game pitting together two natural counter-attacking sides in the Argentinian city, the game was evenly matched in the opening half.

The Kiwis held the lead courtesy of a fine solo strike from Charlotte Harrison but the Germans had plenty of opportunities to draw level.

Julia Muller even found the net only for it to be deemed too high.

It was the Oceanic side who eventually scored the crucial second goal, however, with Pippa Hayward able to pick up a rebound after Harrison's initial shot was saved.

Two became three when Liz Thompson scored from a penalty corner after 42 minutes.

To their credit, the Germans kept fighting and were rewarded with a nicely worked penalty corner goal from Franzisca Hauke three minutes later.

They had many opportunities to further close the arrears, but were denied by their spirited opponents.

The dominant Dutch were far too strong for South Korea ©FIH

There was no denying the Dutch as the unbeaten reigning world and Olympic champions eased to a 5-2 victory over South Korea.

This was despite a slow start from the team in orange, with Lidewij Welten's opener swiftly cancelled out by Cheon Eun Bi.

Caia van Maasakker put the Europeans back ahead when Laurien Leurink was fouled on route to goal by South Korean goalkeeper Jang Soo Ji before FIH World Player of the Year Ellen Hoog beat two players to slip the ball home.

Park Seung scored to keep the contest tight and make it 3-2 before half-time.

Further goals from Kelly Jonker and Marloes Keetels opened clear daylight as the class of the tournament favourites proved too much.

The Dutch are now due to play hosts Argentina in a tantalising quarter-final tussle, while South Korea finished third in the group to set up an all Asian clash with China.

New Zealand will face Olympic bronze medallists Britain.

Germany will take on Pool B winners Australia.