Hosts India put up a gallant fight before going down 2-3 against the formidable Netherlands in their opening match of the Hero FIH Junior hockey World Cup, here today.
The Indians conceded three field goals in the opening half as the Netherlands scored twice through Milan van Baal (3rd minute, 28th) and once through Mark Rijkers (25th) to make life difficult for the hosts.
For India, Gurjinder Singh (13th) converted a penalty corner while Akashdeep Singh (42nd) scored from a field effort.
The Indians started on a bright note but as time progressed they fizzled out, allowing the Dutchmen to take control over the proceedings.
Netherlands stunned the handful of cheering home supporters present at the floodlit Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on a chilly evening by striking the first goal in the third minute.
The Dutchmen scored from their very first attack when Milan van Baal sounded the board from close range after receiving a pass from Tom Hiebendaal.
The Indians had an opportunity to equalise in the next minute on their first penalty corner but Sukhmanjit Singh faltered. They, however, equalised soon from their second penalty corner which was perfectly converted by Gurjinder Singh to level the scores.
But the home team's joy was shortlived as Netherlands pumped in two quick field goals, courtesy some sloppy work at the back by the Indians, to silence the crowd.
Mark Rijkers first scored with a fierce reverse hit after pouncing on a loose ball inside the circle and then three minutes later an opportunist Van Baal made the scoreline 3-1 in favour of Netherlands after tapping home a rebound as the Indians were guilty of committing hara-kiri inside their 'D'.
