Is there any stopping the Dutch women’s juggernaut as they set out on their quest for an Olympic double? Not if the opening to season 5 of the FIH Pro League is anything to go by.
The Oranje ran through Great Britain women twice in Santiago del Estero by 5-1 and 8-0 scorelines, while they also toppled hosts Argentina 4-1, and then 7-1 – with six diffferent scorers – in their final match on Monday night.
After GB women drew 0-0 with Argentina on the opening night before losing the shoot-out 2-1, they were dealt a familiar hand with an 8-0 mauling by the Dutch.
Yibbi Jansen underlined her credentials as one of the world’s best players with a hat-trick, which included a PC double, and two from Freeke Moes.
GB women rallied against Argentina on Saturday night, going down 2-1 with Eugenina Trinchinetti scoring the winner.
In their final match, David Ralph’s side went toe-to-toe with the Dutch for long periods as they looked to rally from 2-0 down through Frederique Matla and Sanne Koolen. Izzy Petter levelled early in the last quarter before a Joosje Burg double opened the floodgates.
It could have been more but for another impressive display from Seebie Heesh in GB’s goal.
On the men’s side, GB men finished with a 2-1 defeat to the Dutch on Sunday night, the same scoreline they opened against Argentina last week.
Another tight tussle between the trio of nations saw Joep Troost score at the death. Terrance Pieters had opened the scoring after the break before Sam Ward’s leveller.
Earlier games had seen GB pick up a point before losing 4-1 in a shoot-out to Argentina. Paul Revington’s side had beaten the Netherlands 3-2.
