Hockey World Cup 2023: The Netherlands, New Zealand, Belgium, Germany register big wins

Belgium players celebrate a goal against Korea on Saturday. Pic/PTI

Three-time champions The Netherlands began their campaign in style, outplaying Malaysia 4-0, while New Zealand defeated Chile 3-1 in Pool C matches of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup here on Saturday.

In the opening match of the day, Sam Hiha (11th, 18th minutes) scored two field goals in the opening two quarters, while Sam Lane opened the account for the Black Sticks with another field strike in the ninth minute.

Chile's lone goal came from the stick of Ignacio Contardo in the 49th minute.

In the other match of Pool C, Thijs van Dam scored a field goal in the 19th minute to hand World No.3 The Netherlands, who won the title in 1973, 1990 and 1998, the lead before Jip Janssen converted a penalty stroke four minutes later.

Teun Beins (46th min) made it 3-0 for The Netherlands by converting a penalty corner a minute into the fourth and final quarter.

The Dutchman are atop Pool C on account of better goal difference than New Zealand, who also have three points from the win.

While The Netherlands and New Zealand will lock horns in their next pool match on Monday, Malaysia will take on Chile on the same day.

Later in the day, world champions Belgium thrashed Korea 5-0 in a Group ‘B' match. Hendrickx Alexander (30th min), Cosyns Tanguy (42th min), Van Aubel Florent (49th min), Dockier Sébastien (51 min), De Sloover Arthur (57th min) scored a goal each.

In the last match of the day, World No.4 Germany beat Japan 3-0 in another Group ‘B' encounter, thanks to goals from Grambusch Mats (35th min), Rühr Christopher (40th min) and Prinz Thies (48th min) in Bhubaneswar.

Also Read: Hockey World Cup 2023: Australia register dominant 8-0 win over France

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