India lose to the Dutch, in last eight
DUTCH ON TARGET
The Netherlands scored off their first penalty corner in the 12th minute. Sander Baart’s clinical finish down the middle left the Indians with little time to react (2-0). In the 24th minute, Holland made it 3-0. A sizzling move down the middle left Micro Pruijser with a big finish. The lightning speed and the rasping finish at the top of the net were a treat to the sparse gathering of fans. Akashdeep’s goal in the 27th minute came off a Sardar Singh long ball. The speed of the pass caught the Dutch defence unawares and Akashdeep held his cool and balance to beat a sliding Dutch goalie. India wasted their three penalty corners. Harmanpreet Singh’s attempts were either too feeble or could not get the better of Dutch goalkeeper Sam Van Der Ven, who too had a great day under the bar.
India had their moments in the match. Sardar played a good role in the midfield and young Sumit showed the intensity expected of a rookie. India could have scored their second goal just before halftime, but Sumit’s goalmouth cross and Ramandeep Singh’s poor trapping wasted the opportunity. A sloppy Mandeep Singh let India down in the third quarter. Slow to react, the Dutch defence cancelled his reverse hit on top of the Dutch ‘D’. In an otherwise dull last quarter, India forced two penalty corners but Harmanpreet’s shots were taken well by the Dutch goalkeeper.