Goals from Laurien Leurink and Lidewij Welten saw the Netherlands past Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup hosts England and progress into the semi-finals.
England battled hard against the number one side in the world and went behind on the stroke of the first break as Welten ran onto a through ball and slotted past Hinch.
The hosts rallied in the second quarter but found themselves two down shortly after half-time when Welten was able to square to Leurink to tap home from close range. There was plenty of endeavour from England but they couldn’t find a way past the Dutch defend as a sell-out crowd of 10,000 roared them on once again.
Speaking after the match Alex Danson said: “We are absolutely devastated but I am incredibly proud of each and every player. We left nothing out on the field, we executed our tactics, we did our best and you can’t ask for more from any human being than to give everything they have on any given day.
“Credit to the Dutch but I am very proud that we restricted them to so little and we had olur opportunities there as well. We are devastated but very proud.”
“Hockey has come such a long way in this country. To every single person that has come out andsupported us you have literally been an extra person on the field.
“I think the hockey family has grown so much over the last few years and long may it continue. The rise of the game in this country is simply sensational.
“I would like to say a personal thank you to every single member of England Hockey, they are all unsung heroes. The Hockey Makers and you guys, you have really made this tournament what it is.”
