Netherlands & Spain impress at 4 Nations

Action from Netherlands versus Germany at the Men's 4 Nations, Monchengladbach

(Photo: FIH / Frank Uijlenbroek)

The Netherlands continued their excellent form under the guidance of coach Paul van Ass when they claimed the 4 Nations title in Monchengladbach over the weekend. The team finished ahead of Spain thanks to a superior goal difference, showing that they are in great shape ahead of August’s EuroHockey Nations Championships, which will also take place in the Warsteiner Hockeypark, Monchengladbach. 

Following Thursday’s incredible 6-1 triumph over weakened World Champions Australia, The Netherlands fell to a 2-1 defeat against Spain on Saturday.  Pau Quemada slammed in a penalty corner to give Spain a lead early in the first half before Taeke Taekema levelled the scores with another set piece eight minutes before the break. However, Quemada scored what proved to be the winning goal with his second penalty corner flick of the game midway through the second half to give Spain the win.

Australia also bounced back to form on Saturday, cruising to a 3-1 win over host nation Germany.  Jason Wilson put the Kookaburras ahead in the 21^st minute before Florian Fuchs tied things up soon after the break. However, goals from Brent Dancer and Glenn Turner gave Australia a much needed victory.

Despite this, Australia were to suffer a second tournament defeat when they face Spain on Sunday. Matthew Butterini’s early strike was overhauled by goals from Pau Quemada and Roc Oliva as Spain showed that they will be a team to fear at the EuroHockey Nations Championships next month.

The Netherlands claimed the title with a thrilling 5-4 triumph against Germany in the final match of the tournament. Thilo Stralkowski gave Germany an early advantage before the ever reliable Taeke Taekema pulled his side level from the penalty spot. Billy Bakker established a lead for The Netherlands on the stroke of half time, but Germany made the score 2-2 thanks through Linus Butt who fired in two minutes after the break. Penalty corner goals from Wouter Jolie and Billy Bakker gave The Netherlands a 4-2 advantage with just nine minutes remaining, but two quick-fire Germany goals from Jan-Marco Montag and Oskar Deecke set up an exciting final five minutes of the game. Incredibly, Rogier Hofman sealed a Dutch victory with an open play strike with two minutes of the match remaining.  

You can watch match footage from some of the games that took place in Monchengladbach by clicking here.

Fixtures and Results

Final Standings