FIH Hockey5s Women's World Cup: India lose to Netherlands in final

India lost 2-7 to the Netherlands in the final to finish runners-up at the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup. Jyoti Chhatri (20th minute) and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (23rd) scored for India in the summit clash on Saturday. Janneke van de Venne (2nd, 14th), Bente van der Veldt (4th, 8th) and Lana Kalse (11th, 27th) struck a brace each for the Netherlands, while Sosha Benninga (13th) was the other goal-getter. For their exemplary performance in the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup, Hockey India has announced a cash award of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.5 lakh each for the support staff. Both the teams probed for their chances after the start and it wasn’t long before the Netherlands found an opening. Janneke van de Venne took a long-range shot which deflected off the Indian goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu into the goal to hand Netherlands the lead. Moments later, Bente van der Veldt found herself open in front of the Indian goal and smashed the ball into the net to double the lead. A period of Netherlands dominance followed. Bente van der Veldt remained alert in front of the Indian goal as her quick overhead shot sailed past the Indian defence into the goal. With four minutes to go in the first-half, Lana Kalse pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a powerful shot to make it 4-0 in Netherlands’ favour. Soon after, Sosha Benninga used a deft touch to bypass Rajani in goal and further extended their lead. As the Netherlands continued to put pressure on the Indian defence, Janneke van de Venne capitalised on an opening and scored to end the first half 6-0 in the Netherlands’ favour. The Dutch dominance continued in the second-half, resulting in a challenge which was saved by Rajani. India opened their account five minutes into the second-half as Jyoti found some space and struck a shot from distance to beat Netherlands’ goalkeeper Kiki Gunneman. Rutuja then received the ball under pressure, turned on a sixpence and breached Netherlands’ goal to make it 6-2. As India started to pile on the pressure, a quick counter-attack goal from Netherlands’ Lana Kalse restored their five-goal cushion. The Indians continued to test Netherlands’ goalkeeper Kiki Gunneman but were unable to beat her. In the final minute of the game, Netherlands were awarded a penalty stroke, however, Rajani saved the chance but it came too late.