A super-fit and super-fast Korea has pulled off a dramatic 3-2 win against favourites, the Netherlands in a pool B game of the 11th FIH men's hockey World Cup at the floodlit Warsteiner Hockey Park stadium in Monchengladbach, Germany.
In a match that was played at an unbelievable pace on Wednesday, the Koreans led 2-0 on goals by Hyo Sik You (12th, 15th) at the break before the Dutch caught up in the second-half as Ronald Brouwer (48th) and Taeke Taekema (53rd) found the boards. However, the Koreans struck for a third time in the 64th minute through Nam Yong Lee to seal the issue.
Undoubtedly, it was one of the best matches seen in a World Cup with the Koreans maintaining a scorching pace that could have killed a horse.
The Dutch, taken aback by the Korean aggression, were on the ropes. Only on restart did the Dutch, winners of three titles this year, including the Champions Trophy, kick-started their challenge matching the Koreans in pace and exchanges.
But the Koreans, who were kept afloat by some quality goalkeeping by Dong Sik Ko, struck the vital blow towards close to avenge their bronze medal playoff defeat four years ago.
