The Netherlands tames India to move a step closer to semis / IANS

India's hopes of making the semifinals in the men’s section of the FIH World Cup suffered a severe setback as it went down fighting 1-3 to the hosts, the Netherlands 1-3 in its first match of round 2.

Interestingly, the Dutch completed a "double." The Netherlands women’s team defeated India 2-0 in the first match of Phase 2. And today, the Netherlands men accounted for India 3-1 in a game that was evenly contested. If India lost, it was because of its own blemishes, especially the defence that committed serious errors of judgment to concede two of three goals.

India’s only consolation came through a penalty corner goal by skipper Harmanpreet Singh. Other than deep defenders, even some experienced forwards disappointed today.

Also Read: FIH World Cup: India lose to the Netherlands, still has a chance for semis

The Netherlands, not India, was in orange jerseys and Indians were sporting white. Both teams started on an aggressive note, building moves from flanks with occasional use of scoops.

The first penalty corner of the match went to the Netherlands in the 13th minute but remained non-productive. The first quarter witnessed some crisp and vintage hockey but produced no goals, with both sides putting their best foot forward for an early lead.

A couple of defence lapses and rapid substitutions proved detrimental for India, who otherwise tried to match their opponents in every department of the game. Now India could only hope for a miracle, the possibility of which is remote. Only hard-core followers of Indian hockey were busy calculating some extremely difficult permutations and combinations for securing a passage of India to the medal round.

Argentina and England game that followed India-the Netherlands match aroused great interest. Indian fans were hoping for a win for Argentina against England that would mean some hope for India. And in case England won the second match, it would indicate the end of the road for India. If Argentina beats England, then India will have to beat Argentina in its last game on Monday for any remote chance of making the semis. And in that nearly impossible situation, India would be required to record a big win against the Pan American champions. The additional condition that the Netherlands beat England in the last match with a convincing margin.

It was a game that India could have safely drawn, but a couple of serious errors in defence, especially in clearances and back passes, led to their downfall. The third goal was virtually gifted to the Dutch.

Playing before a packed Wagener Stadium, India tried to match their opponents in every department of the game, including man-to-man marking, trapping and even creating openings.

The Netherlands played to a strategy of tiring out their opponents and making them commit errors. The result came as a big heartbreak not only for players themselves but also for hundreds of supporters who had come to cheer the Indian team.

 A good chance for India came after a concerted move in the 24th minute, but it was frittered away. It was a goalless first half.

First penalty corner for India came in the 35th minute. India wanted a follow-up penalty corner. The umpire sought VR opinion. And India got its second, but the subsequent attempt went wide.

India vs the Netherlands / Maninder K Chandhoke

The Netherlands took the lead by scoring through Duco Telgenkamp 1-0 in the 41st minute.

India retaliated and earned a penalty corner in the 42nd minute. The award saw tempers running high. Senior players from either side and the umpire intervened to cool down tempers.

The penalty corner for India petered out to a corner. The Netherlands led 1-0 at the end of the third quarter.

India earned another penalty corner in the 47th minute when Harmanpreet was not on the field. The award was repeated as a ball hit by Amit Rohidas was cleared; India asked for VR. The video referee upheld India’s plea for another one. India continued to mount pressure after failing to make use of any of the penalty corners.

The Dutch had a surprise for India with a goal that saw Indian defence wilting under pressure. What a goal it was. A cross from the right flank and Tjep Hoedenmakers got a touch to steer it past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 for the Netherlands.

India launched a counterattack and appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty corner. Finally, India got one in the 51st minute, followed by another one. Harmanpreet made no mistake to make the score 1-2.

A defensive lapse cost India a goal as Thijs Van Dam got past the Indian goalkeeper by lifting the ball over him and then tapping it home while Manpreet tried to chase.

India lost 1-3, thus virtually sealing its fate.

 

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