Women's Hockey World Cup: India lose 0-2 to Netherlands, semis hopes take a hit

India's hopes of making it to the semi-finals of the women's Hockey World Cup took a massive hit as they lost 0-2 to the Netherlands in Amstelveen on Friday, August 21.

In Short

• India lost 0-2 to Netherlands
• Indian team failed to match up to the intensity of the Dutch
• India face Australia in their next phase 2 game on Sunday, August 23

The Indian team produced yet another spirited defensive performance at the women's hockey World Cup, but this time it wasn't enough to stop the reigning Olympic champions, the Netherlands. The Indian eves were beaten 0-2 in Amstelveen, thanks to penalty corner goals from Yibbi Jansen and Frederique Matla.

The loss meant India remain on one point in the group as the Netherlands all but confirmed their spot in the semi-finals. India will face Australia in their final phase two match on Sunday, August 23, which will now be a must-win game for Sjoerd Marijne and his side.

INDIA GIVEN A LESSON IN ATTACKING BY THE DUTCH

First of all, it was a bit weird to see the team jerseys for this contest. India were in their bright saffron/orange kits while Netherlands was wearing their light blue jerseys. Who would have thought this would happen in Amstelveen a few years ago?

The next big talking point was how it was a battle between two best friends in Sjoerd Marijne and Raoul Ehren. Both men are business partners and were coming face-to-face for the first time on the hockey field. But once the handshakes were done and the teams got underway, the gulf between them was evident.

Netherlands are eyeing their third consecutive Women's World Cup crown. They came into the contest with a perfect record and 15 goals to their name. 10 of them were penalty corners. Six of those goals came from Yibbi Jansen.

The Dutch were on the offensive from the get-go, and they got a penalty corner in the second minute. Yibbi Jansen didn't make any mistakes and finished it off with ease to give the Dutch the early lead.

The Indian team looked clearly rattled as the ball was lost in midfield and the Dutch launched an attack, that led to a second PC in the fifth minute. Jansen was on hand to execute another well-taken PC, but this time Bichu Devi was up to the task to prevent the goal.

She was called into action once again as the Netherlands regained the ball in midfield as Freeke Moes unleashed another shot on goal. By this time, the Dutch had made five circle entries, with India having nothing to show.

In the 9th minute, India were able to make their way into the circle but the shot was way over. The pressure from the Dutch continued and they almost had a second with Jansen's PC bouncing off the post.

The second quarter started in much better fashion for India as they were able to slowly get more possession and earn two PCs for themselves. But Deepika was stopped twice by the stubborn Dutch defence that conceded just two goals during the group stages.

The Netherlands quickly started to return to their usual ways. More possession, attacking threat and control of the match. Savita came in for the second quarter and she had to make a save from a shot by Felice Albers with her body in the 25th minute.

The Indian defence was struggling to get to grips with the quick passing from the Netherlands, who cut the defence open again with a couple of minutes remaining to create chaos with the Indian defence.

Savita pulled off another sensational stop to deny Pien Dicke to keep the deficit at just one goal. It showed how much more India had to grow in terms of every aspect of their game. It seemed like they didn't take multiple touches before making a pass or think twice about moving forward.

It was consistent pressing and with purpose.

INDIA FAIL TO PRESS ON

In the second half, probably India could have done one thing. Just throw caution to the wind and attack and just trouble the home side.

The pressure remained consistent after the restart and the Dutch got another PC, just two minutes. The shot was defended by the first rusher and India launched a quick counter that had precision and crispness with their passing, and it almost led to a goal. But the shot from Sunelita Toppo was blocked.

It did give India the confidence to go on the press, but they were still lacking conviction with their passing.

However, it was short-lived as finally the Indian resistance was broken. Frederique Matla was able to finally convert a PC in the 38th minute to make it 2-0.

Despite this, the Indian spirit was undeterred at this point. They were still looking to make that push to make a way back into the contest.

But the issue was India not taking a lot of risks to stifle the Dutch defenders. Instead, they invited pressure in the final moments of the game with the Dutch troubling Savita with a couple of chances, with Dicke hitting the post as well.

It was all Netherlands at that point as they pushed for more goals and had a couple more chances. India had an opportunity to reduce the deficit, but Navneet's shot was denied by Anne Veenendaal.

In the end, the World Champions were able to continue their brilliant run. For India, it was another lesson in their growth towards becoming a strong side.

When it comes to fitness, they have miles to improve. In terms of passing, there is a lot more to be desired.

But the credit should be given to them for hanging in there and ensuring they weren't completely outplayed on the day. They did show signs of confidence and will have one more chance to make it to the semi-finals on Sunday.

- Ends