MELBOURNE: South Korea came from behind to defeat the Netherlands 4-2 and claim the bronze medal at the Champions Trophy in Melbourne on Sunday.

It was South Korea’s second bronze medal at the Champions Trophy to add to its silver from the 1999 tournament.

“The game plan was play defensively in the first half and to attack in the second half and the team executed that plan,” South Korean team manager Cho Myung-Jun said.

A Rob Reckers’ 32nd-minute goal gave the Dutch the lead at half-time, but the Koreans stepped up in the second half with three goals to Seo Jong-Ho and penalty corners by Nam Hyun-Woo and Lee Nam Yong.

Taeke Taekema slammed home a penalty corner with two minutes left but South Korea had the final word through You Hyo-Sik.

Dutch coach Michel van den Heuvel took many positives out of the Melbourne tournament.

“We had three really good matches and we have brought some youngsters to this tournament who have shown that they are ready to play in next year’s World Cup,” he said.

Earlier, Spain beat England 5-2 to take fifth place and relegate England into last place.

Australia and Germany were to meet in the gold medal match later on Sunday.