India stun Dutch again, win 2-1

Amsterdam, August 16

Gurjant Singh and Mandeep Singh scored a goal each as the Indian men’s hockey team overcame Netherlands 2-1 on Tuesday, registering their second consecutive win over the world No. 4 side.

Led by Manpreet Singh, India straightaway put pressure on the home team. The positive intent worked as India drew first blood through a penalty corner awarded in the fourth minute.

Varun Kumar’s drag-flick was padded away by the Dutch goalkeeper, but Gurjant was quick to pick up the rebound and fire the ball high into the net, scoring his first goal for the senior team.

Armaan Qureshi had a chance to make it 2-0 but the shot went slightly wide.

The hosts won a penalty corner in the early minutes of the second quarter, but the drag-flick was saved by goalkeeper Akash Chikte.

The Dutchmen put India under pressure with a full press and won three more penalty corners, but they could not make the opportunities count.

The final 15 minutes saw India increase their intensity in attack. Gurjant won a penalty corner, but it was saved. In the 51st minute, Sumit won another PC. This time they tried a variation and striker Mandeep’s deflection doubled India’s lead.

Saander de Wijn scored from a PC in the 58th minute but that didn’t stop India from walking away with a 2-1 win.

“I think we played well in all departments to win. They are a very experienced side with more than eight players with over 100 international caps. So, to beat them we had to come up with something special,” Manpreet said.

“I am very happy with the way the team performed as one unit, especially the debutants. They showed no sign of nervousness and played with a lot of confidence.” India had lost two matches against Belgium, before beating the Netherlands 4-3 on Monday. — PTI