Koen Bijen scored twice as the Netherlands raced into the World Cup semi-finals over surprise package South Korea.
The last Asian nation left at this men’s edition put up a good showing in the opening salvos as the Dutch looked to continue their 22 goals from three group games.
They initially found it tough as Korea, who had surprised Argentina in one of the World Cup’s biggest upsets, packed the defence before Oranje found a way through.
Steijn van Heijningen, Beins Teun and Blok Justen also scored for the Dutch, while Seo Inwoo netted for the Koreas. It was the first goal that the Netherlands had conceded.
“It’s already a dream that I’m here at the World Cup. It is very nice that it turned out this way, “ Bijen told hockey.nl.
“I’m the best on the nine yards in front of the goal. You have to be there and luckily I was. I am very happy with the goals, but even more happy with the semi-final.”
The Dutch, in reaching a fourth successive semi-final, will play Belgium, the defending champions, in a repeat of the 2018 final.
