On Friday, the 55:15 victory against Puerto Rico had been Netherlands' biggest ever win at the World Championship, but just two days later, they set a new record as they beat Uzbekistan by 41 goals, booking their main round ticket. 

GROUP D
Uzbekistan vs Netherlands 17:58 (10:28)

Early in the match, Uzbekistan showed some signs of resistance against the world champions, as Netherlands led 6:4, then 9:5. But quite soon the Dutch adjusted to their opponents' style of game better and pulled clear. 

With their fast counterattacks, Monique Tijsterman's team tore Uzbekistan’s defence apart, so their lead reached double digits at 16:6 already in the 13th minute.

"We played with a lot if speed, and that's what we wanted," Netherlands' line player Merel Freriks said after the match. 

Her teammates, speedy wings from Odense Handbold Kelly Vollebregt and Bo van Wetering were unstoppable in the first half, combining for 11 goals in the first 30 minutes as their team enjoyed an 18-goal advantage.

On Friday, Netherlands became the first team at the World Championship since 2009 to hit the 50-goal mark, and now they were clearly determined to do it again. Although Tijsterman rotated her squad, the defending champions did not slow down, and Debbie Bont scored the 50th goal of her team in minute 53. And in the remaining time, the Netherlands, who boasted a 86% shot efficiency in this match, added eight more goals to their tally. 

"I think we are in a very good shape. We are ready, all the girls are fit, and now we'll be looking forward to the game with Sweden," said Tijsterman. 

On Tuesday, Netherlands and Sweden will compete for the top position in the group, while Uzbekistan need at least a draw against Puerto Rico to seal their main round spot. 

hummel Player of the Match: Meril Freriks, Netherlands

Photo: RFEBM / J. L. Recio