Bhubaneswar: The Netherlands literally stormed into the FIH Men’s World Cup 2023 quarterfinals at Kalinga Stadium here on Thursday.
Already in pole position in Pool C, the Orange brigade racked up a 14-0 win over debutants Chile to easily top the four-team group and bag a direct quarterfinal berth.
It’s the biggest victory margin in World Cup history, surpassing Australia’s 12-0 mauling of South Africa in the 2010 edition.
The Dutch, beaten finalists in the 2018 Bhubaneswar World Cup edition, scored 5 goals in the opening 30 minutes before pumping in 9 more in the second half. Jip Janssen, the tournament’s top scorer so far, netted 4 to take his tally to 9, while Thierry Brinkman scored 3 for a total of 8 goals in three games thus far.
Malaysia earlier edged past New Zealand 3-2 to finish second and third, respectively, while Chile ended without a point.
Malaysia and New Zealand will have another chance to make the last-eight stage. In the Crossovers, Malaysia will face the No. 3 team of Pool D, while New Zealand will be up against the Pool D runner-up.
