Dutch striker Jeroen Hertzberger capitalized on a pass from Billy Bakker in the 23rd minute to score the all-important goal as The Netherlands avenged their loss in the 2012 Olympic final to take the top spot in Group B, last evening.
Netherlands have maximum nine points from three successive wins, while Germany have just three points after suffering defeats at the hands of the Dutch. Pan-American champions Argentina, today outplayed New Zealand 3-1 to enter the semifinal race.
On some occasions, when Stockmann could not effect clean saves, luck favoured him as the ball trickled wide of the goal. A hat-trick of penalty corner conversions by Gonzalo Peillat lifted the Argentine challenge against New Zealand.
After a goalless first session, Peillat opened account with his first penalty corner strike in the 44th minute, only for New Zealand to equalize with a flash strike by Stephen Jenness five minutes later.
Argentina had earlier shocked reigning Olympic champions Germany 1-0 to throw the pool wide open. In another Group B match, South Africa held Asian champions South Korea to a goalless draw. Both teams earned their first point from three matches each and are at the bottom of the pool table.