World and Olympic champions The Netherlands and world No 2 Australia posted contrasting victories in the women's hockey World League Semifinals, here today.
World Cup holders The Netherlands were made to work hard for their 2-1 victory by the robust South Korean defence, while Australia thrashed Poland 9-0.
The Dutch women clinched their second successive win in Pool -A due to a defensive error by South Korean defender Oh Sun-soon in the last quarter.
Oh's clearance was intercepted by Ginella Zerbo, who darted into the scoring zone and sent a fine ball for Maria Vershoor to score the match-winner in the 47th minute.
The Dutch had taken the initial lead in the fifth minute when Eva de Goede shot into a open goal to finish off a risk counter-attack.
The Dutch lead did not last long as Park Seun-ga converted a penalty corner for South Korea four minutes later. Four goals by Jodie Kenny spurred World Cup silver medallists Australia, while five other players made one entry each on the score-sheet.
Starting with Australia's first goal in the ninth minute, Kenny converted three penalty corners and then duly slotted in a penalty stroke for her four-goal feat.
