New Delhi, March 1 (IANS) Despite opening their World Cup campaign Monday with a thumping 3-0 win over Argentina, star drag-flicker Taeke Taekema feels that the Dutch will have to improve a lot if they want to lift their fourth title.

The 30-year-old defender, who was bang on target on all three penalty corners, said the Argentines played a hard game but they were happy with the end result at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

'We under performed today, but when you have a 3-0 result on the board, you are always happy. But to be fair we have to improve a lot if we have to win the title,' he said.

Asked about his own performance, Taekema said: 'I took three shots and converted them all. So I had a 100 percent record today. Can't complain about that. And besides my dragflicking abilities I am deep defender as well and I did my job successfully as well.'

Taekema also pointed out that at present there is little too chose between experienced Pakistani drag-flicker Sohail Abbas and young Indian Sandeep Singh.

'It is a difficult art to master and it needs years of practice. I am still learning it. Sohail is obviously the king but by present standards there is little to choose between Sandeep and Sohail,' he said.

Taekema also said that the players are having difficulty in adjusting to the newly laid turf at the venue.

'It is a bit of problem, because the turf is a bit rough and bumpy. During penalty corners it is tough to stop and hit it, but these problems are always there in such big tournaments,' he added.

Argentine coach Pablo Lombi was visibly disappointed with the 3-0 drubbing.

'I expected a better show from the boys. Hopefully we will put up a better show in the next match,' he said.