The Netherlands prevails 3-2 in a gripping encounter
Several heart-warming moments notwithstanding, India went down 2-3 to the Netherlands in a Group ‘B’ preliminary round hockey match on Monday. Even as the Dutch raced away to a 2-0 lead in the first half, India sprung back with gumption in the second session.
India began with remarkable fluidity and discipline — traits that have contributed to the team’s improved performances in the recent past. The notorious brittleness of the backline, however, came back to haunt India again.
S.V. Sunil launched the first attacking move of significance when he sped along the right flank. A long corner later, India found itself in the ‘D’ where it was rewarded with a penalty corner.
Dharamvir Singh’s strike was halted by a tenacious Dutch defence.
The Netherlands, ruthless in intent and execution, stormed the Indian citadel. Even as a goal loomed, V.R. Raghunath made a neat, sliding tackle to delay the inevitable. Skipper Bharat Chetri led from the front, making sharp saves to twice deny the dangerous Teun de Nooijer. India, then, produced a fine run down the middle but Shivendra Singh’s back-flick went wide.
Sneaking ahead
The Dutch soon sneaked ahead as an unmarked Robert van der Horst slammed home in the 20th minute. With India’s pair of forwards being countered by five rival defenders, the team tried to make capital of counterattacks.
But, the Dutch pressed the throttle and made it 2-0 in the 29th minute. Roderick Weusthof dragged in the short corner that trickled in off Manpreet Singh’s stick.
A fast-paced first session was overshadowed by a more gripping second half. India turned up as a different unit, blending defensive efficiency with hectic forays.
Much to the delight of the large number of Indian fans who had turned up, the side pulled one back in the 45th minute. Dharmavir sent the ball into an open goal after it deflected off the post.
Three minutes later, India restored parity through a piece of brilliant manoeuvring from G.S. Chandi. Dodging the rival defenders, he passed the ball to Shivendra. The latter had no trouble slotting it home.
Stunning riposte
Just when India’s spirits sky-rocketed, the Dutch came up with a stunning riposte in the 51st minute: Mink van der Weerden converting a penalty corner with a ferocious drag flick.
The rest of the session panned out with India trying frantically to get back on level footing. The Netherlands prevailed in the end, but only just.
The results:
Group ‘B’: The Netherlands 3 (Robert van der Horst, Roderick Weusthof, Mink van der Weerden) bt India 2 (Dharamvir Singh, Shivendra Singh).
Group ‘A’: South Korea bt New Zealand 2-0; Australia bt South Africa 6-0; Spain drew with Pakistan 1-1.
Keywords: 2012 London Olympics, India in London, hockey, India vs Netherlands
The Indian forward line had at least 2 open shots at goal in the second half. In one case, Shivendra was guilty of ball watching, without expecting it to come to him, and wasted a perfect cross. Sunil had another chance at open goal, but did not strike. It is hard to imagine the top 3 teams wasting even one, let alone both such opportunities. However, let us not lose perspective: the Indians, qualifying after 8 years, and with a new coach, gave a top team a serious run for their money, and were in the game throughout. A little more coordination and fitness and this team can once more contest for a top 5 spot.
Great Play. But thought someone like Harpal Singh as the defender is
clearly missed. His great defending and penalty corner saving runs in
the Hockey league were one of the primary reasons for the winning team.
Why is he sitting out. Sandeep, though a good penalty shooter is not a
great defender.
Didn't go down tamely. Certainly showing some freshness in hockey and remarkable display of speed and stamina. But under pressure to win every match from here on, but definitely looking good to finish respectably.
Dutch looked dangerous whenever they had the ball whereas indians' attack appeared
predictable.the game with new turf,ball and rules favour hit,trap,short cut to goal game of
roboust europeans as against short passing wave of attack of asians.my sympathies are with
asian teams as they struggle in not favourable conditions but still make a game and fight it
out.field hockey has become too fast forthe eye to followlike ice hockey.india prefers slow
buildup attack and not pacy hit,trap and shoot.
Oopps. As Somaya said "now we surprised the biggies". Even in Pakistan, Spain and many other countires Hockey is not given with a major importance like Criket and foot ball. Arrogance is missing in the DNA of Indians, atleast develop some controlled arrogance please!
Being a keen hockey fan, I feel that there is light at the end of tunnel after
watching our boys performance in this match. First time I've seen Indians not
flagging and running man for man with the dutch till the end. They should have
also been a littl bit more tactical at the last minute attack - gone for the penalty
corner instead of trying to score from that difficult angle using advantage. The
difference was defence and the dutch interception of our passing game, but I think
Nobbs is on the right track and we can rebuild towards the world cup and maybe
pull a couple of surprises here at the Olympics as well. We need better
defenders...., but overall we've shown that we belong with the big boys again. Well
done India.
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