The Indian men’s hockey team are out of the FIH World Cup semifinal race after losing 1-3 to reigning Olympic champions Netherlands in their second-round match on Saturday.India needed a win to keep their last-four hopes alive, but a strong first half was followed by a difficult final quarter. The Netherlands scored twice in the last 10 minutes to seal the match.Harmanpreet Singh scored India’s only goal in the 52nd minute from a penalty corner. Duco Telgenkamp (41st), Tjep Hoedemakers (51st) and Thijs van Dam (55th) scored field goals for the Netherlands.India will now play Argentina in their final second-round match on Monday before entering the fifth-eighth place classification matches.
India out of semifinal race
The defeat leaves India without a point in the second round. India had already lost to England in the first round, and even a victory against Argentina on Monday would take them to only three points.That will not be enough to reach the semifinals.India will instead play in the fifth-eighth place classification matches after their final second-round game against Argentina.The result also means India are still waiting for their first World Cup win over the Netherlands. The Dutch defeated India in the penalty shootout in the 1973 World Cup final.For India, a match that began with so much promise ended with disappointment as the Netherlands proved too strong in the decisive moments.
India start strongly
India played with control in the opening half and kept the Netherlands from building long periods of possession. The Indian defence was particularly impressive and did not allow the Dutch to create many clear chances.India entered the Dutch circle from the right in the third minute, but the defenders quickly stopped the move.Five minutes later, Rajinder Singh received a pass from Hardik Singh and carried the ball into the circle. Once again, India could not find a way through the Dutch defence.The Netherlands had a chance in the 11th minute when van Dam tried a reverse hit from a pass from the left, but the ball came off the back of his stick.
Netherlands fail to convert penalty corners
The Netherlands earned the first penalty corner of the match in the 13th minute. Jip Janssen took the drag-flick, but Manpreet Singh made an excellent rushing block to keep India safe. The Netherlands then won three penalty corners in the opening minute of the second quarter, but could not convert any of them.India also continued to look dangerous on the attack.
Meijer denies Dilpreet
India came close in the 24th minute.Dilpreet Singh received the ball from Manpreet Singh and moved into the circle. He got an opportunity to shoot, but Dutch goalkeeper Meijer Derk made the save. Rajinder Singh was also in a position to make more of the rebound, but India could not take advantage. Neither team could find a goal before half-time as the score remained 0-0.
India miss penalty corner opportunity
India earned their first penalty corner in the 35th minute after taking a referral. Harmanpreet Singh’s drag-flick hit the foot of the Netherlands’ first rusher. India reviewed the decision and were awarded another penalty corner. But Harmanpreet’s second attempt went wide. It was a missed opportunity for India, who had defended well and were also creating chances of their own.
Netherlands break the deadlock
The Netherlands finally found the opening goal in the 41st minute. India’s defence, which had been so disciplined until then, switched off for a moment. Tijman Reyanga received the ball inside the circle and went for the shot. The ball took a deflection off Duco Telgenkamp’s stick and went into the goal.Indian goalkeeper Mohit had little chance to stop it.India immediately looked for a response and earned a penalty corner, but Harmanpreet’s drag-flick was saved by the Dutch goalkeeper.
Netherlands double their lead
India had another chance in the 47th minute when Abhishek earned a penalty corner. Harmanpreet was not on the field, so Amit Rohidas took the shot. His slap shot went wide after taking a deflection.India reviewed the decision after the ball appeared to hit a Dutch defender’s foot and were awarded another penalty corner. This time Sanjay took the shot, but the Dutch goalkeeper made another important save. India were being kept out despite their efforts.The Netherlands then extended their lead in the 51st minute when Hoedemakers scored.
Harmanpreet gives India hope
India responded immediately.Rajinder Singh won a penalty corner during a counter-attack, giving Harmanpreet another opportunity.The Indian captain made no mistake this time.His powerful drag-flick found the back of the net and gave India a lifeline.India 1-2 Netherlands.With the goal coming in the 52nd minute, India had a chance to fight their way back into the match.
Van Dam seals India’s fate
But the comeback lasted only a few minutes. The Netherlands scored again in the 55th minute to restore their two-goal advantage. India’s most experienced player, Manpreet Singh, lost possession and the ball fell to van Dam. The Dutch forward made no mistake and finished the chance.India 1-3 Netherlands.The goal effectively ended India’s hopes of a comeback.
