New Delhi: The Netherlands coasted to a 7-2 win over New Zealand in the summit clash to lift the Hockey World League Final title at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Saturday.
Earlier, World No.4 England upset reigning World Champions Australia 2-1 to win the bronze medal play-off with English skipper Barry Middleton hitting the winning goal in the 54th minute.
A cagey first 10 minutes saw both teams in the final testing the opposition but providing very few real scoring opportunities.
World No.3 the Netherlands broke the deadlock when Constantijn Jonkers hit the ball from a seemingly impossible angle, past an outstretched Devon Manchester in the Black Sticks goal in the 17th minute.
A second goal was added by Billy Bakker in the 23rd minute as the men in black struggled to cope with the ferocity of the Netherlands attack.
The Dutchmen's third goal came on the stroke of halftime when a ball fired in from the midfield found Jonkers, who deflected the ball past Manchester.
The Netherlands turned up the pressure in the last 15 minutes of the first half, winning two penalty corners and keeping New Zealand pinned in their half.
