Chandigarh, Feb 6 (IANS) European champions The Netherlands outplayed New Zealand 4-1 in the Punjab Gold Cup hockey to reach the finals of the four-nation tournament at the Sector 42 hockey stadium here Friday.Rob Teckers (24th minute), Lucas Judge (31st), Wouter Jolie (41st) and Jeroen Hertzberger (69th) scored for The Netherlands while New Zealand’s only goal came from Nick Haig (63rd).

The Netherlands clearly dominated the Black Sticks and led 2-0 in the first half.

The Dutch team took the lead when Reckers sounded the board. Seven minutes later, Judge converted a penalty corner for a 2-0 lead.

New Zealand pulled up their socks in the beginning of the second half when striker Simon Child moved single-handedly, dribbling the ball into the opponent’s corner but could not give the finishing touch.

Wouter Jolie put the Dutch in a comfortable position by converting a penalty corner in the 41st minute.

Kiwi defender Haig scored the consolation goal through a penalty corner in the 63rd minute.

In the dying moments of the game, Hertzberger increased the lead of the Dutch team to 4-1 when he intercepted a long pass and hit it into the Kiwi goal.