The Netherlands shook off an early goal to trounce South Africa 5-1 in the first match of the men’s Olympic qualifying field hockey tournament in Madrid on Tuesday.
The South Africans struck within a minute when Emile Smith deflected a free hit outside the Dutch circle by Iain Evans after Taeke Taekema was penalised for a dangerously high clearing flick.
South Africa had another three chances as passes crossed the face of the Dutch goal before The Netherlands regrouped.
Taeke Taekema struck a penalty corner fractionally inside the left post for a 21st-minute equaliser but the Dutch failed to capitalise on pressure and it was not until nine minutes into the second half that Ronald Brouwer broke the deadlock.
He took a pass from Teun de Nooijer near the quarter line and beat Ryan Ravenscroft outside the circle to drive past Chris Hibbert in goal.
That released the floodgates and two goals in as many minutes settled the outcome.
Matthijs Brouwer touched in a penalty corner rebound by Bram Lomans and Floris Evers mis-hit a cross that bobbled and bounced into the goal.
Karel Klaver deflected in Loman’s seventh penalty corner to complete the 5-1 rout.
”The first half went according to plan but it slipped away in the second half,” said South Africa coach Paul Revington.
”It was disappointing we did not get a penalty corner and they punished us when we conceded midfield turnovers.
”Tomorrow [Wednesday] against Spain the guys think we can get something from the game as South Africa’s results against Spain recently have been quite decent. We need to catch Spain when they are down,” Revington added. — Sapa-AFP