7 Feb : European Champion Holland inflicted a humiliating 7-1 defeat on the World Champions Germany, paving the way for India to reach the finals of the Punjab Gold Cup at Chandigarh on Saturday.
India will now meet New Zealand in an inconsequential match later on Saturday before locking horns with Holland in the finals at Chandigarh on Monday.
Holland, so far undefeated, finished on the top of the standing with 14 points, while India have eight points in their kitty.Needing a win to stay afloat in the tournament, Germany started crumbling under pressure soon after conceding a goal in the opening minute of the game as the Dutch stepped the gas in the second half, scoring five goals after the lemon break.
The Germans could hardly make use of the opportunities that came their way as they failed to convert a single penalty corner out of five awarded to them.
Man of the match Jeroen Hertzberger (23), who scored two goals turned out to be the hero for the Dutch as he build up several attacks and was instrumental in three other goals as well.