The Netherlands ended their Women’s World Cup campaign with a dominant 12-5 victory over Italy to secure fifth place in Sydney, while Hungary defeated China 12-8 in the seventh-place match.
European champions Netherlands controlled their classification contest from the opening quarter, with Lola Moolhuijzen producing a perfect five-goal performance from five attempts.
Italy briefly remained level at 2-2 after two early goals from Agnese Cocchiere, but the Dutch pulled clear through Moolhuijzen and Maxine Schaap to establish a 4-2 advantage at the first break.
Kittylynn Joustra and Nina ten Broek extended the lead during the second quarter, giving the Netherlands a 6-3 halftime advantage.
Italy reduced the deficit through Dafne Bettini early in the third, but the Dutch quickly took complete control. Moolhuijzen struck twice before Vivian Sevenich finished a counterattack and Marit van der Weijden converted from the penalty line, putting the result beyond doubt at 10-4.
Moolhuijzen completed her five-goal display in the final period, while Schaap scored her second to seal a convincing seven-goal victory. Dutch goalkeeper Sarah Buis also contributed nine saves.
Results
Fifth-place match
Italy 5-12 Netherlands
(2-4, 1-2, 1-4, 1-2)
Seventh-place match
China 8-12 Hungary
(2-4, 2-3, 3-3, 1-2)
The Netherlands converted five of their nine extra-player opportunities and successfully defended all six of Italy’s power plays.
Hungary also finished their competition with victory after recovering from an early deficit to overcome China.
China led 2-1 during the opening period, but Hungary’s aggressive press and counterattacking threat changed the contest. Vanda Valyi scored on the break before Hungary added a penalty and a powerful Rita Keszthelyi finish to move ahead.
Kamilla Farago and Kata Hajdu extended the Hungarian advantage early in the second quarter, with Hajdu beating the possession clock to find the bottom corner from a difficult angle.
Hungary led 7-4 at halftime and continued to disrupt China’s attacking rhythm with their speed and defensive positioning.
Hajdu, Eszter Varro and Zsofi Horvath helped Hungary establish a 10-5 advantage during the third quarter. China responded with two late goals to remain within three heading into the final period, but Hungary stayed composed.
Farago struck from distance before goalkeeper-turned-attacker Alda Garda powered home an extra-player opportunity to make it 12-7.
Hajdu led Hungary with three goals, while Xie Liyi scored twice for China.
Hungary were particularly effective with the extra player, converting eight of their nine opportunities, as they secured seventh place with a deserved four-goal victory.
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