The Indian men’s hockey team lost to the Netherlands in a shootout (2-4) in their sixth match of the FIH Hockey Pro League after being tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time at Birsa Munda Hockey on Wednesday. Stadium. According to a Hockey India press release, Arijit Singh Hundal and Lalit Kumar were on target for India in the shootout, while Jorrit Kroon, Thierry Brinkman, Duco Tellgenkamp and Joep de Mol were on target for the Netherlands.
Hardik Singh (38′) scored the only goal for India, while Floris Middendorp (4′) was on the scoresheet for the Netherlands in regulation time.
The Indian team came under pressure early in the first quarter as the Netherlands were putting the Indian defenders on the back foot with their attack. The strategy was successful and the Netherlands broke the deadlock early in the game when Floris Middendorp (4′) found the back of the net to give them a 1–0 lead. The Indian team gradually settled down and its possession of the ball became better. With a few seconds remaining at the end of the first quarter, the Netherlands earned a PC, but two brilliant saves from Krishna Pathak kept the score at 1–0 in favor of the Netherlands at the end of the first quarter.
At the beginning of the second quarter, India started aggressively in the opening minutes and put pressure on the Netherlands defense with continuous attacks, but failed to score an equaliser. India had the better possession of the ball for most of the second quarter as Mandeep and Amit Rohidas created scoring chances but were thwarted by a strong defensive performance by the Netherlands. Netherlands was leading India 1-0 till half time.
Trying to find ways to get back into the game, the Indian team stepped up its efforts. India were putting constant pressure on the Netherlands defenders, earning a PC after Mandeep made a good run down the left flank, but they failed to convert the opportunity as the shot went wide. A few minutes later, in the 38th minute, India scored the equalizer thanks to a brilliant effort from Hardik Singh. His goal resulted from a skillful rebound at a penalty corner. At the end of the third quarter the score was equal to 1-1.
With 15 minutes left in the clock, India started putting more pressure on Netherlands. The Indian team remained determined and created several chances to score, but the Netherlands’ defense was strong, leading to the regular time ending with a score of 1–1.
India will take on Australia in their sixth match on Saturday, February 24 at 1930 hrs IST. India are placed fourth with two wins, three draws and one loss, giving them a total of 11 points.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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