Aussies and Dutch set up hockey World Cup final

THE HAGUE: Holland and Australia marched into the final of the hockey World Cup in contrasting styles.

Title-holders Australia swept aside Argentina 5-1 while Holland slogged for a 1-0 win over England in the semi-finals at the Kyocera Stadium on Friday.

Jeremy Hayward, the youngest player in the Australian side, was the star with two goals in the 22nd and 55th minutes. The other scorers were Kieran Govers (fourth), Jacob Whetton (33rd) and Chris Cirlelio (49).

As for three-time champions Holland, Mink van der Weerden converted a penalty corner in the 31st minute to sink England.

Australian coach Ric Chalesworth, who will quit after next month’s Commonwealth Games, praised his team.

“I think we played a very solid first half, although we lost concentration towards the end.

“We have been in Europe now for four weeks and we are ready for the final.

“The Dutch are there because they have worked hard for it and we have also worked hard to get there, too.

“The best team will win and we aim to be that team,” said Charlesworth.

Holland coach Paul van Ass was glad to see his wish of meeting Australia in the final come true.

“My wish has come true, but it may also come back to haunt me if Australia continue their current trend of improving with every game,” he said.