New Delhi: Netherlands was seen practicing at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium ahead of the Friday clash against Argentina on the opening day of the Hero Hockey World League Final.
Speaking on the expectations form the team for the League, Head Coach Paul Vanass said, “This is the top 8 teams of the world and there will no easy games for any one team. It will be interesting to see where do we stand post this tournament, as from here we then start preparing for the World Cup. The aim here is to win important matches and qualify for the finals. Amongst other countries India is a strong team and we are expecting them to make it to the semi finals.”
“Speaking on the tournament Robert Vander Horst, Captain of Netherlands said, “Our pool is tough with Australia, Belgium and Argentina. This tournament is like a final test for us before we enter the World Cup which is scheduled to take place in our country – Holland. We hope to be on the right track post this tournament.”
Netherlands
Current FIH World Ranking: 3
How they qualified: 3rd place - Rabobank Hockey World League Semi Final, Rotterdam (NED)
About the team: By their own very high standards, the Netherlands had a disappointing 2013 thanks to third place finishes at the Tri-Finance EuroHockey Nations continental championship in Belgium and the Rabobank Hockey World League Semi Final on home soil. However, the team produced occasional flashes of brilliance in those events, giving everyone a little reminder of the qualities that took them to an Olympic Silver medal at the London 2012 Games. The Netherlands squad for the event had not been confirmed at the time of writing, but it is expected to contain world class talents such as midfield star Robert van der Horst, drag-flicking defender Mink van der Weerden, creative forward Billy Bakker and supreme goal-scorer Jeroen Hertzberger. Talented attacker Seve van Ass, son of Netherlands coach Paul, is certain to miss the tournament through injury.
One to watch: Billy Bakker. Seen by some as the natural successor to Dutch legend Teun de Nooijer, Billy Bakker is a dazzling talent who creates as many goals as he scores. An immensely gifted attacker who looks set to be a fixture in the Netherlands team for many years to come.
