World Cup semi-final
England 0-1 The Netherlands
England and their three west Londonders play for bronze on Sunday morning in the hope they get something from a World Cup after gutting defeat to the hosts.
Only one goal decided a dramatic game in front of a packed Kyocera Stadium awash with orange in The Hague this afternoon.
A penalty corner (PC) via Mink van der Weerden after 31 minutes was the tale of a dominant Dutch side in the first half. The English came back in a more even second period but failed to find the elusive equaliser.
Dan Fox and Mikey Hoare at least breathed a sigh of relief their infringements were atoned by heroic defending.
Ex-Hampstead & Westminster captain Fox strayed a foot into the circle, but from the resulting PC, captain Barry Middleton blocked superbly and keeper George Pinner was on hand to tidy up.
Chiswick’s Hoare then also planted his boot into the no-go area, but again the hosts failed to capitalise when they fired wide from another PC.
England had a great opportunity to equalise from another set-piece at the other end, but Iain Lewers goal bound shot was deflected a coat of paint wide.
Dan Shingles, once of Brunel Uxbridge, was an unused sub this time, after coming off the bench in all group matches.
England’s Ashley Jackson said after: “We knew it was going to be tough, they’re a very talented side.
“We wanted to keep it as close as possible for as long as possible, and we had some late chances but it wasn’t meant to be.”