Tags:
Journalism of Courage
A plucky South Korea fought back superbly from a goal deficit to stun three-time champions the Netherlands 2-1 in an action-packed match but that was not enough to qualify for the semifinals of the hockey World Cup.
In a fast-paced edge-of-the-seat Pool A thriller between fourth and fifth ranked sides in the world,the South Koreans struck back after the Dutch had taken a lightning fast lead in the first minute through Ronald Brouwer.
The lower-ranked South Koreans took control of the game from towards the end of the first half to inflict the Dutch their first defeat in the World Cup in front of a sparse crowd under floodlights at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.
The South Koreans,who had beaten the Dutch in their last three international matches,twice in 2009 and once in 2008 — all in the Champions Trophy — fought back with goals from Hyun Woo Nam Hyun Woo Nam (31st) and Jong Ho Seo (45th).
Despite the loss,the Netherlands pipped South Korea to the post for a semifinal berth on goal difference though they have the same points — 10 each from three wins,one draw and one loss.
The Dutch,who finished second in Pool A behind Germany (11 points) had a goal difference of 10 (15 scored and five conceded) while the South Koreans,who finished third in the pool,had eight (16 scored and eight conceded).
