Korea pipped the Netherlands 2-1 in an exciting Pool A clash, though the Nordic country yet edged past the Asian champions to qualify for the semi-finals on the basis of better goal difference at the Hockey World Cup here Tuesday.

The Netherlands opened the scoring through Ronald Brouwer (1st minute) before Korea went ahead with strikes from Nam Hyun Woo (31st) and captain Jong Ho Seo (45th).

Defending champions Germany finished at the top of the pool with 11 points followed by the Netherlands and Korea on 10 points each. The Netherlands have a goal difference of plus 10 while Korea fall behind with a goal difference of plus 8.

In the semi-finals, Germany will take on England while the Netherlands will play Pool B topper Australia Thursday.