> The Netherlands have met South Africa twice before in Olympic competition (in 1996 and 2004), with the Dutch winning on both occasions.
> The Dutch 4-1 victory in 1996 marks South Africa's biggest defeat in Olympic history.
> South Africa are yet to win a hockey match at the Olympics. In eight previous Olympic appearances South Africa recorded 3 draws and 5 defeats.
> The Netherlands qualified for Beijing 2008 as EuroHockey Nations Champions.
> South Africa are Champions of the African Olympic Qualification Tournament.
> Dutchmen Teun de Nooijer, Jeroen Delmee and Guus Vogels were also present at the last three Olympic Games (1996, 2000 and 2004).
> The Dutch trio will chase their third Olympic gold medal in Beijing, after collecting gold at Atlanta 1996 and at Sydney 2000.
> If they succeed, they will join seven players from India that have accomplished the feat.
> De Nooijer has already scored 10 goals in Olympic history, which makes him the top scorer among hockey players participating at Beijing 2008.