Did Indian men’s hockey team lose 2-3 to the Netherlands in FIH Hockey Pro League?

Amstelveen, June 10 (IANS) The Indian men’s hockey team displayed great determination but ultimately succumbed to a 2-3 defeat against the Netherlands in a captivating match of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium.

Abhishek (20') and Jugraj Singh (54') scored for India, while Thijs van Dam (24’), Tjep Hoedemakers (33’), and Jip Janssen (57’) found the net for the Dutch.

India kicked off the first quarter with clear intentions to dominate the game, keeping possession and executing swift passes to breach the opposition's defense early on. In the sixth minute, forward Abhishek nearly opened the scoring when he maneuvered into the D and unleashed a powerful shot that just skimmed past the target.

The Netherlands countered by switching to a more aggressive style, creating several scoring opportunities. However, the Indian defense remained resolute, absorbing the pressure while continuing to challenge the Dutch backline. Despite the fast-paced, end-to-end action, the first quarter ended without a goal.

In the second quarter, the Netherlands increased their tempo, adopting a more assertive strategy and nearly taking the lead with two close efforts in rapid succession. However, India maintained their composure, sticking to their possession-based approach and controlling the midfield.

India earned their first penalty corner of the match, but Harmanpreet Singh’s attempt was deflected out. The breakthrough finally came when Abhishek (20th), playing in his milestone 100th international match, broke free from his marker and finished expertly after receiving a perfectly timed pass from Shilanand Lakra, giving India a 1-0 lead.

However, the lead was short-lived as just four minutes later, Dutch captain Thierry Brinkman made a dazzling run into the circle, setting up Thijs van Dam (24’), who calmly found the back of the net to equalize at 1-1. The remainder of the quarter saw both teams probing for opportunities, but defenses held strong as they headed into halftime tied.

In the third quarter, the Netherlands emerged with renewed vigor, pressing high to disrupt India's rhythm by intercepting passes in midfield. Their aggressive tactics paid off when Floris Wortelboer delivered a sharp cross from the left flank to Tjep Hoedemakers (33’), whose shot crept past Indian goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead.

Buoyed by their goal, the Netherlands continued to assert pressure and earned their first penalty corner of the match, but failed to capitalize. India, on the other hand, switched to a counter-attacking style and earned multiple penalty corners in quick succession, yet couldn’t find the equalizer. The penultimate quarter concluded with the Netherlands holding a slender 2-1 advantage.

In the final quarter, India ramped up their efforts, stringing together quick passes and making several entries into the Dutch circle in search of an equalizer. With less than seven minutes remaining, Abhishek came agonizingly close again, beating his marker before unleashing a powerful shot that struck the side netting.

India’s relentless pressure earned them a fourth penalty corner of the match, and this time Jugraj Singh (54’) stepped up, striking the ball into the net to level the score at 2-2.

Shortly after, India had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Lalit Kumar Upadhyay faced Dutch goalkeeper Maurits Visser one-on-one. Attempting a cheeky scoop, Lalit was denied by Visser’s quick reflexes.

The Netherlands quickly responded, capitalizing on a penalty corner earned in the dying moments, with Jip Janssen (57’) converting it to restore their lead. India launched a final assault in the dying minutes, but the Dutch defense held firm to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory.

It’s noteworthy that this match marked a significant milestone for Abhishek, who was playing his 100th international match for India since his senior team debut in 2022. The 25-year-old has significantly contributed to India’s attack, scoring 39 international goals thus far.

Abhishek's contributions have been pivotal in India’s major achievements, including the gold medal at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy China 2024, bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics, silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and gold at the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022.

Currently, India stands fourth in the points tally, having amassed 15 points from 10 games. They are set to face Argentina next on Wednesday.