India Lose FIH Pro League Opener to Netherlands Despite Improved Performance

India go down to the Netherlands in Pro League opener (Image: IANS)

On the day Manpreet Singh equalled Dilip Tirkey’s long-standing record of 412 international appearances — the most by an Indian — the Indian men’s hockey team failed to rise to the occasion and began their European leg of the FIH Pro League with a defeat.

Despite a much-improved showing compared to their performances in the first eight matches earlier this year, Craig Fulton’s men went down 2-3 to the Netherlands in Rotterdam on Sunday.

For India, Dilpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh scored, while Miles Bukkens, Koen Bijen and Tijmen Reyenga found the net for the Dutch.

However, the margin could have been bigger had it not been for Suraj Karkera, who was outstanding in goal during the first half, ensuring the Netherlands failed to convert any of their first 10 penalty corners. His performance even drew praise from former India goalkeeper and two-time Olympic bronze medallist PR Sreejesh on X.

That said, reducing the number of penalty corners conceded will be an area India need to address ahead of their next game.

“We definitely need to improve on the ball. We’ve given away far too many penalty corners, but at the same time, we’ve done a good job defending them,” Fulton said at half-time.

“On the counter, as I said, I wanted to see us try and fire — and there were some good moments, including a couple of one-on-ones. We just need to be better on the ball in our own half and do a better job there.”

Earlier, the Netherlands took the lead as early as the third minute through Bukkens, but India levelled in the 10th minute when Dilpreet’s shot was deflected into the net by a Dutch defender.

Bijen restored the lead for the hosts eight minutes into the second quarter.

India drew level again three minutes into the second half after Hardik Singh won their first penalty corner. Harmanpreet Singh opted for a variation, passing to Hardik, who set up Sukhjeet for a simple finish.

The Dutch, however, were not content with a draw and eventually converted a penalty corner in the 40th minute after failing to score from their first 10 attempts.

India went all out in the closing minutes and even pulled their goalkeeper, but the Dutch held firm, preventing India from converting their late penalty corners and securing the win.

Captain Harmanpreet, despite creating chances and being involved in both India's goals, was not overly disappointed with the defeat.

“The result wasn’t good, but it was our first match after a long time, and it’s always exciting to play against a strong team,” he said after the match.

India will now have a two-day break before taking on Germany in back-to-back matches on Wednesday and Thursday.

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