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FIH World Cup: India lose to the Netherlands, still has a chance for semis
Looking at the way Indian girls played, it had been the best display by them, as they coordinated well, passing was much better, and even marking was nearly perfect.
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Prabhjot Paul Singh - Fri, 21, Aug 2026
- 15:10 EDT
- 38
Indian women’s team goes down fighting 0-2 against defending champions Netherlands / (Credit: Hockey India)
India’s chances of making the semifinal round of the FIH World Cup suffered a severe setback after a 0-2 loss in its opening match of phase 2 at the hands of the home team and Olympic champions the Netherlands before a nearly packed Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Aug. 21. The Netherlands scored both its goals from penalty corners.
Earlier, Olympic silver medallist China split points with Australia in the other phase 2 game.
Even after its loss, India still stands a chance of making the semis. It must beat Australia in its next and last match of phase 2 and then hope for the Netherlands to beat or hold China to a draw.
Though Indian girls played their best game of the tournament so far, but it was not enough to see them through the first match of the phase 2. With carry over points from the group matches, the Netherlands moved to the top of the table with six points followed by China at number two position with two points. India was at the bottom with one point. Though Australia also has one point, it is placed above India because it has scored three against two by India. Incidentally, the goal difference is same. Australia has conceded five and India four.
Now the second-round matches on Aug. 23 between India and Australia on one hand the Netherlands with China will determine which of the two teams go to semis from this group.
India’s last best finish was in the inaugural World Cup when it took the fourth position.
The Netherlands started with an offensive right from the hit it. Its move paid dividends as it earned its first penalty corner in the 85th second of the game. And Yibbi Jansen, one of the most versatile Dutch players made no mistake with the award.
She slammed the ball on the left of the Indian goalkeeper Bichu, who otherwise, had a good mach.
The Netherlands looking to consolidate its lead in the first quarter earned its second penalty corner in the fifth minute. This award had the ratification of the Video Umpire. This time Bichu Devi executed a good save by padding away the goal bound shot.
There was yet another save by Bichu Devi after an attempt was made by a Dutch forward from the top of the circle.
Third penalty corner for the Netherlands followed in the 13th minute. In between India did work out good moves and from one such good moves skipper Salima Tete shot into the orbit. It was a good chance for India to restore parity.
The Netherlands led 1-0 at the end of first quarter.
Looking at the way Indian girls played, it had been the best display by them as they coordinated well, passing was much better and even marking was nearly perfect. They matched their opponents in every department of the game. They attacked their opponent’s goal with good moves but were unlucky not to score.
Savita came in for Bichu in the second quarter.
India had to wait until 19th minute to earn its first penalty corner. In all it got two, but both the chances were muffed.
There was a good chance for Navneet to score from the top of the circle in the 22nd minute. She unfortunately shot wide and high. Another good chance was frittered away.
At the other end, Savita brought off a good save off Albers in the 25th minute.
The Netherlands led 1-0 at the half time.
The Netherlands got its first penalty corner of second half in the 33rd minute.
Another penalty corner for the Netherlands in the 38th minute and this time Matila Frederequie made no mistake to make the score 2-0 for the Netherlands.
The Netherlands earned yet another penalty corner in the 40th minute but the goal attempt was deflected out.
The score remained unchanged at 2-0 at the end of the third quarter.
Good attempt by Navneet in the 58th minute was well saved by the Dutch goalkeeper. Penalty corner for the Netherlands in the last minute followed by a repeat award but they remained unproductive.
The Netherlands won 2-0.
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