Scots lose to No1-ranked Netherlands in Brussels

Scotland’s women went down 4-0 to the Netherlands in the opening pool match at the World League semifinals in Brussels yesterday.

Coach Gordon Shepherd had previously said the clash with the world No 1 side would not really affect his side’s chances of securing a crucial quarter-final spot and possibly a place in the extended World Cup finals next year.

It was not long in the contest before the Scots were behind when Frederique Matla beat Nikki Cochrane from close range with a low reverse-stick shot.

The Dutch doubled their tally with a quick counter-attack when Laurien Leurink was give the luxury of picking her spot in the net.

The Scots’ only real attack came at the end of the first half but it failed to penetrate the Dutch circle.

The result was sealed three minutes into the second half when a penalty corner shot was blocked but Lauren Stam was on hand to net the rebound.

In Scotland’s best attack of the game, Fiona Burnet fired in a reverse stick shot only to have it cleared by the Dutch goalkeeper.

The Scots held out until five minutes from the end when Kitty van Male added a fourth from open play.

Earlier, Italy and China drew 2-2, a good result for the Europeans as they were eight places below their opponents in the world rankings. The other side in the pool, Korea, have yet to play. Scotland’s next match is against the Chinese today.

Also today, Scotland’s men face Korea to decide 9th place in the World League in London.