Netherlands Retains Title by Overcoming India 4-2 in Women's Pro League
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Synopsis
In Bhubaneswar, India faced a challenging match against the Netherlands, resulting in a 4-2 defeat in the FIH Hockey Women's Pro League 2024/25. Despite Udita's two goals, the Dutch team, led by Albers, secured their victory with their well-coordinated attacks.
Key Takeaways
- India's Savita celebrated her 300th international game.
- The Netherlands scored four goals through precise execution.
- Udita's brace highlighted India's fighting spirit.
- The match showcased intense back-and-forth action.
- Penalty corners played a crucial role in the outcome.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 24 (NationPress) In a thrilling encounter, India faced a 4-2 defeat against the defending champions, the Netherlands, during the FIH Hockey Women's Pro League 2024/25 at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday. The goals for the Netherlands came from Felice Albers (34’, 47’), Emma Reijnen (7’), and Fay van der Elst (40’), while Udita (18’, 42’) showcased her talent with two goals for India.
Indian veteran keeper Savita celebrated her 300th international appearance and received a special tribute from former men's team keeper PR Sreejesh before the match.
The Netherlands commenced the game aggressively, creating numerous scoring opportunities and dominating India’s half. They seized an early advantage in the 7th minute when Elst's attempt was blocked, but Reijnen expertly converted with a reverse shot into the net. India earned its first penalty corner immediately after but failed to capitalize.
In the 10th minute, Trijntje Beljaars was poised to score, but Savita made a remarkable save, keeping India in the match. As the first quarter drew to a close, Lalremsiami won another penalty corner, but Rutaja Dadaso Pisal narrowly missed.
India's performance improved in the second quarter, leading to an equalizer in the 18th minute. Following another penalty corner, Deepika set up Udita, who scored after a deflection. The Netherlands received a penalty corner in the 25th minute but could not convert.
The third quarter was action-packed, featuring three spectacular goals. The Dutch regained the lead in the 34th minute, converting a penalty corner. Matla Enderique's initial shot was saved by Savita, but the ball fell to Albers, who scored.
The Netherlands increased their advantage in the 40th minute as Joosje Burg made an impressive pass to Elst, who finished with a dive into the net.
India continued to press, winning several penalty corners, and in the 42nd minute, Udita scored again from a penalty corner.
In the fourth quarter's second minute, Albers executed a brilliant dribble through the Indian defense, scoring with a reverse stick shot.
As the match neared its conclusion, Pien Sanders, the Dutch captain, attempted a shot, but Bichu Devi made a fantastic save. The Netherlands maintained high pressure, limiting India's opportunities as the clock wound down.
