Holland reach hockey World Cup final

THE HAGUE: England's men failed to reach the World Cup final as they fell to a 1-0 defeat by hosts Netherlands in The Hague.

Mink van der Weerden's deflected penalty corner put Netherlands ahead just five minutes before the break.

England were the stronger side in the second half but the Dutch defence held firm.

England were attempting to reach their first World Cup final since 1986, when they took silver, and will play Argentina in the bronze-medal match.

It is the fifth time since being crowned European champions in 2009 that England have lost a semi-final, following defeats at the Europeans (twice), the Commonwealth Games and the World League Final.

Defending champions Australia will play Netherlands in Sunday's final after they beat Argentina 5-1.

England had the first chance just 17 seconds into the match as Ashley Jackson's shot was saved by goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann but after that the Dutch dominated the rest of the half.

After the break, England began to create chances, with Jackson having the best opportunity from a penalty corner, but Bobby Crutchley's side could not find a way through.