Argentina,  the last of 12 nations to qualify for the Hero Honda FIH 2010 World Cup by winning the World Cup Qualification tournament at home in Quilmes, opened the competition against triple World Cup winners The Netherlands. The Dutch were immediately all over the South Americans, missing a few early goals after some fancy combinations, but Klaas VERMEULEN finally earned a penalty-corner in the 13th minute after a swift pass from Teun DE NOOIJER and Taeke TAEKEMA powered his drag-flick under the crossbar to open the scoring.

That triggered a good reaction from Argentina, showing their skills with some fancy combinations to carry the danger in front of the Dutch goal, but Guus VOGELS was alert to protect the lead. The Dutch weathered the storm calmly and came forward strongly in the final stage of the period, earning a second penalty-corner dutifully converted by Taeke TAEKEMA.

The Argentineans desperately pushed forward, but they were inefficient on their four penalty-corners and were repeatedly denied by Guus VOGELS in great form. The Dutch team did not seem to worry too much, relying on their positioning and passing to control the midfield, and occasionally launching counter-attacks. Taeke TAEKEMA completed his hat-trick of penalty-corners in the 61st minute, his 16th World Cup goal, only one short from his compatriot Floris Jan BOVELANDER.

The Dutch cruised to a final 3-0 win, increasing to seven their unbeaten streak against Argentina in World Cup action.

Match Facts (Netherlands v. Argentina):
> The Netherlands beat Argentina 3-0, to go top in Pool A, leading New Zealand on goal difference.
> Taeke Taekema converted 3 penalty corners to lift his World Cup total to 16 goals.
> He is now one goal short from equaling his fellow countryman and penalty corner specialist Floris Jan Bovelander who netted 17 goals (1986-1994).
> Taekema’s 3 goals marked the 50th hat-trick in World Cup history (source B.G.Joshi).
> At the 2006 World Cup Taekema scored 5 goals in Holland's 6-1 win over India.
> Taekema has now scored in each of the last five World Cup matches for the Dutch team.