Ice Hockey World Cup: Holland beats Australia for bronze

After a painful semifinal loss, the young Netherlands beat Australia 3-1 to seal the World Cup bronze medal. After scoring in the opening period here at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday, the young side bounced back and looked like they wanted it more. We are a young team and we want something. You really have to show in games like this, Jorrit Croon, the Dutch attacking midfielder said after the game.

The Netherlands dominated possession from the start as they gave Australia no time on the ball but went behind in the first quarter. But for the second game in a row, Australia lost despite taking the lead. Skipper Thierry Briknman helped complete the second half revival with two goals in five minutes.

The Kookaburras scored through Jeremy Hayward, the tournament’s prolific draw-flash, as he found the net at his first attempt, firing the ball into the bottom right corner. However, Holland limited them to just three penalty corners in the game.

When the teams came out for the second half, the Dutch improved their passing and pinned the Australians in their own half with their high line. They had the occasional penalty corner and Jip Janssen, a powerful Dutch flasher, managed to find a way through when first runner Tim Brand turned his powerful flick into the top corner, giving Andrew Charter no chance.

Two minutes later, the Australians failed to clear their lines inside the circle, allowing Brinkman and Floris Wortelboer to break free, with a loose ball hitting the former. Brinkman found himself on the scoresheet again after a great run from Thijs van Dam down the left. Tjep Joedemakers got a first-time touch on Van Dams’ pass, and Brinkman turned the ball to swing it home.

The Netherlands were down to ten men for the final eight minutes as van Dams’ yellow card gave Australia hope. But it failed to test Pirmin Blaak, while the Dutch were awarded a goal for thwarting Charter at the other end.

When the final whistle went off, the Netherlands celebrated another podium finish, while Australia will go home empty-handed at the World Cup for the first time since 1998.