The last time the two teams met was 15 years ago.

This time, the holders flew out of the traps with two penalty corners won in the first five minutes.

The pressure soon told as Naomi van As (pictured) stole in to put the Dutch ahead after seven minutes, but Britain hit back and put their opponents under pressure in search of an equaliser.

Captain Kate Walsh had a shot saved, before Alex Danson saw an effort ruled out by the umpire Wendy Stewart.

The Dutch took further control shortly after the half hour mark when Kim Lammers fired home.

They appeared to be in command at 2-0 going into the interval.

Danny Kerry's side came out rejuvenated though and instantly hit back when Crista Cullen scored following a penalty corner.

Britain pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but the Dutch were threatening when in possession and Abi Walker, celebrating her 30th birthday, made some crucial saves.

This time, Britain found a leveller when Cullen's penalty corner strike hit the bar and found its way into the net, and though they couldn't find a winner, they came away with a point nonetheless.

"We're disappointed with our first half performance," Kerry said afterwards.

"The girls need to believe in themselves more.

"At half time we spoke about belief and for them [the players] to decide if they are good enough."

It wasn't just his players that Kerry had some choice words for, hitting out at the scheduling of the tournament after the 2-2 draw.

"I'm disgusted that we're being asked to play in such high temperatures; it's dangerous and wrong."

Walsh echoed her coach's feelings, saying: "We're disappointed with our performance today.

"We turned the ball over too cheaply.

"We needed to be stronger.

"We created chances and gradually put them under more pressure as the game went on.

"It was a more buoyant second half and we can take that forward into the rest of the tournament."

Despite their disappointment, the result meant that Britain picked up their first point against the Netherlands since 1989, a result which leaves both teams on four points in the group after two games.

Britain are behind on goal difference and will need a big win against China to give them the best possible finish when they meet in the final group game on Tuesday.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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