Netherlands defeated India 2-1 through a late goal in India's fourth game in Group B at the group stage on Thursday. That leaves India requiring a victory over Canada in their last group stage match to book a spot in the quarter-finals.
The Dutch opened the scoring in the third quarter through Rogier Hofman in the 32nd minute. India equalised a few minutes later through VR Raghunath in the 38th minute. However, Mink van der Weerden struck through a penalty corner six minutes from time to consign India to a narrow defeat.
The first two quarters in the game witnessed dull hockey with neither sides showing any attacking intent. India's forwards were shut down by the robust Netherlands defence.
It was in the third quarter where the game opened up. Netherlands opened the scoring through Hofman, only after PR Sreejesh had pulled off a superb save. India attacked and came back into the contest five minutes later. India had got their second successive penalty corner and Raghunath's clean drag-flick found its way into the net from a deflection.
Minutes later, India were left with a mountain to climb as SV Sunil and Raghunath received yellow cards. With nine men, India's defence wilted under Dutch pressure and ace drag-flicker Van der Weerden broke Sreejesh's stonewall resistance. India got as many as five penalty corners in the final seconds of the game but Jaap Stockmann and his defence stood firm to see out the win.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!