India lose to Netherlands but enter last 8

India tasted their first defeat in the Hockey World League semi-final on Tuesday. In their fourth pool B game, India lost to the Netherlands 3-1. Akashdeep Singh scored India’s only goal at the fag end of the second quarter.

The format of the tournament sees the first four teams of every pool making the quarterfinals. Pakistan, who lost to India 7-1, escaped to the quarterfinals too and could clash with India in the semis. Unbeaten Netherlands topped their group.

The Hockey World League semi-final is being played at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. It is exactly in the same Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park where India finished a dismal last in the 2012 London Olympics.

But this has been a good tournament for India where a fine combination of youth and experience is winning international matches. Several players from this squad are expected to form the core of the Indian team for the 2018 World Cup in Bhubaneswar.

India were up against a relentless Dutch side on Tuesday. The scoreline could have been worse for India but for goalkeepers. Akash Chikte had an outstanding match with three terrific saves in the opening 10 minutes of the match on another hot day in London.

India were a goal down in the third minute. Thiery Brinkman’s solo run ended with a crisp reverse hit that left Chikte just short of a bold dive to stop the Dutchman.

The Netherlands tormented the Indians with quicksilver moves and better control of free space. But for a Sardar Singh-Ramandeep Singh combo in the 11th minute, the Dutch dominated the first quarter.

The Netherlands scored off their first penalty corner. Sander Baart’s clinical finish down the middle left the Indians with little time to react (2-0).

In the 10th minute of the third quarter, 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 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. Harmapreet Singh’s attempt were either too feeble or could not get the better of Dutch goalkeeper Sam Van Der Ven.