In a fast-paced edge-of-the-seat Pool A thriller between fourth and fifth ranked sides in the world, the South Koreans struck back after the Dutch had taken a lightning fast lead in the first minute through Ronald Brouwer.

The lower-ranked South Koreans took control of the game from towards the end of the first half to inflict the Dutch their first defeat in the World Cup in front of a sparse crowd under floodlights at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.

The South Koreans, who had beaten the Dutch in their last three international matches, twice in 2009 and once in 2008 – all in the Champions Trophy – fought back with goals from Hyun Woo Nam Hyun Woo Nam (31st) and Jong Ho Seo (45th).

Despite the loss, the Netherlands pipped South Korea to the post for a semifinal berth on goal difference though they have the same points – 10 each from three wins, one draw and one loss.

The Dutch, who finished second in Pool A behind Germany (11 points) had a goal difference of 10 (15 scored and five conceded) while the South Koreans, who finished third in the pool, had eight (16 scored and eight conceded).

The Netherlands will now play Pool B toppers Australia while Germany will take on Pool B runners-up England in the semifinals on March 11.

In the classification matches, South Korea will take on Pool B third-place finishers Spain on March 12 for fifth-sixth place.

The Dutch had also their chances to equalise but all of them went abbegging. Five minutes from the final hooter, Dutch defender Geert Jan Derikx missed a golden opportunity to equalise as he failed to connect a cross from the right with an open goal in front.

Next minute, the field umpire awarded a penalty stroke to the Dutch but after an appeal by the South Koreans, the video umpire ruled against the decision.

Adding drama to the climactic end of the match, the umpire awarded a penalty corner in favour of the Netherlands but after referral, the video umpire ruled it otherwise and Dutch chance for an attempt to equalise did not materialise.