Germans face Dutch test

Starting with a narrow 3-2 victory over tentative India in the opening league match,the Dutch have struck form to romp into the final with a 9-2 hammering of hosts Great Britain late Thursday night. Defending Olympic gold medallists Germany will be seeking to settle a score with the Dutch,who posted a 3-1 victory when the two European hockey powers met in the preliminary group last week on way to topping the pool with an all-win record.

Beijing Olympic gold medallists Germany moved within one victory of defending the title by outplaying World Cup holders Australia 4-2 in the semifinals. Two Dutch players,striker Billy Bakker and penalty corner shooter Roderick Weusthof scored three goals each. Young penalty corner shooter Mink van der Weerden 21st minute and captain Floris Evers 48th contributed a goal each to round off the Dutch scoring,while Great Britains goals came from Ashley Jackson 18th and Robert Moore 65th.

Bakker,who had set a target of scoring three goals in these Games,already has seven.