India vs Netherlands, FIH Pro League 2020, Highlights: Hosts thump World No 3 Dutchmen 5-2 in high-intensity clash

Billy Bakker, Dutch captain

“We played good only in one quarter. I don’t think (adaptability) was a problem. It was not a good performance from us today.

Lalit Upadhaya, player of the match:

“I thank the crowd for the support. All the credit goes to my teammates and my coach. It’s always a tough situation when a player comes from an injury. We have a dream at Olympics so we have to prepare for everything.”

IND 5-2 NED

It’s all over! What a performance from the Indians. They dominated the higher-ranked Netherlands and ended up scoring five goals. Top notch!

Fourth QT: IND 5-2 NED

Akashdeep finds space and tries a reverse hit. Good power but the accuracy is missing.

Fourth QT: IND 5-2 NED

Less than two minutes left in this quarter. The Dutch need some sort of a miracle now. 

They get a penalty corner but the hit is saved well by the Indian goalkeeper.

Fourth QT: IND 5-2 NED

Chance for India with Akashdeep going inside the circle from the left but the Dutch defenders spoil the opportunity.

Fourth QT: IND 5-2 NED

Amit Rohidas takes charge for the penalty corner but his shot is wide.

Fourth QT: IND 5-2 NED

Once again, India get their referral right so yet another penalty corner for them.

Fourth QT: IND 5-2 NED

India get another penalty corner but this time, their play didn’t work out. Good clearance by the Dutch players.

Fourth QT: IND 5-2 NED

The Dutch have been routed in this match. Poor defence but credit to India as well for taking their chances. They should now see the match out.

Fourth QT: IND 5-2 NED

GOAAAL!

Rupinder Pal Singh scores his second of the day with a solid penalty corner conversion.

IND 4-2 NED

The final quarter is in progress and India get a penalty corner after the ball hit the back of the stick of a Dutch player.

IND 4-2 NED

End of the third quarter. A superb one for India as they score two goals. The Dutch need to up the ante.

Third QT: IND 4-2 NED

Three back-to-back penalty corners for the Dutch for the second time in this match and they fail to score again. A frustrating quarter for the away side.

Third QT: IND 4-2 NED

The Dutch went missing in this quarter and they have paid price for it. The defenders are guilty of making it easy for the Indian attackers. Need something special from them to turn the match around.

Third QT: IND 4-2 NED

Penalty corner for India after the ball hit the back stick of the Dutch defender. Harmanpreet Singh’s effort ricocheted outside.

India’s referrals have been on point all thought the game.

Third QT: IND 4-2 NED

GOAAAAL!

Harmanpreet Singh with a brilliant ball and Lalit converts from the close range. India, once again, lead by two goals.

Third QT: IND 3-2 NED

Penalty corner for India after the Dutch player intentionally uses his foot to push the ball away. Rupinderpal Singh takes charge but the hit is wide.

Third QT: IND 3-2 NED

GOAAAL!

Mandeep Singh with a superb turn and finish to give India the lead again.

IND 2-2 NED

The third quarter begins at the Kalinga Stadium.

Graham Reid

“We started the game well but then we stopped doing things that gave us 2-0 lead.”

 IND 2-2 NED

End of the second quarter and we will have a break now. India took an early two-goal lead but the Dutch bounced back to make it 2-2.

Second QT: IND 2-2 NED

Another penalty corner for the Dutch but it’s a good save from the Indian goalkeeper.

IND 2-2 NED

GOAL!

The Dutch find the equaliser. Jeroen Hertzberger with an easy tap in to make it 2-2. They deserve the goal in this quarter.

Second QT: IND 2-1 NED

Good attempt from Kellerman from inside the circle but the shot is way off the target.

Second QT: IND 2-1 NED

Netherlands get a penalty corner after the ball hits Rupinderpal Singh’s leg but India make use of the video referral. The replays show that the ball in fact hit the stick so India keep their review.

Second QT: IND 2-1 NED

The Dutch are dominating the possession and they are attacking in good rhythm. Indian defenders need to keep up their concentration levels.

Second QT: IND 2-1 NED

Three back-to-back penalty corners for the Dutch but they fail to find the equaliser. Good block by India goalkeeper Sreejesh in the third PC.

Second QT: IND 2-1 NED

Brinkman finds space inside the circle and tries for a powerful hit but the shot is off target.

IND 2-1 NED

The second quarter is underway at the Kalinga Stadium.

 IND 2-1 NED

End of the first quarter! Phew, this game has been a cracker so far and looks like there are more goals to come in this one.

14’ IND 2-1 NED

India get another penalty corner but this time, they fail to convert the opportunity.

13’ IND 2-1 NED

The Dutch reduce India’s lead. Jansen with a perfect penalty corner conversion!

11’ IND 2-0 NED

GOAAAAL!

Rupinderpal Singh scores from the penalty corner.

11’ IND 1-0 NED

India playing the counter-attacking game. They get a quick break as Lalit Upadhaya runs from the left towards the goal. The ball hits the Dutch player’s foot inside the circle and India have a penalty corner.

9’ IND 1-0 NED

Good run from SV Sunil from the right wing to inside the box but he fails to put in the final pass. Takes time to pull the trigger and the chance is gone.

7’ IND 1-0 NED

The Dutch are dominating the midfield play but the final ball is missing. Indians are defending deep and they are doing a good job so far.

4’ IND 1-0 NED

Credit should also go to Mandeep Singh, whose sprint from the left wing was instrumental in the first goal. Th Dutch are shocked but they can bounce back in no time.

GOAL!

IND 1-0 NED

What a start for India! Gurjant Singh scores in the first minute of the match.

IND 0-0 NED

The national anthems are done and the first quarter is underway at the Kalinga Stadium.

Graham Reid, Indian hockey team head coach

“The bar we set is very high. We want to play simple hockey today. Just pass, pass and pass.”

Here’s India’s playing XI 

Revealed! 🇮🇳

Here’s the starting XI of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team to face Team Netherlands at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar! #IndiaKaGame #INDvNED #MenInBlue #FIHProLeague #HockeyInvites pic.twitter.com/B4HdtUpCH0

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 18, 2020

Head to head record!

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A Pro League opener will not be conservative in terms of play, openings and goals but to expect a repeat of the World Cup quarter-final where a different kind of pressure does inhibit players may not be seen at The Kalinga. In the last five matches against each other, both sides have won two each with a match drawn. India have won 2-1 and 4-3 while Holland won 2-1 (WC QF, 2018) and 3-1. In the 2018 Champions Trophy, both sides had played a 1-1 draw.

Click here to read the full preview of the match.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the FIH Pro League 2020 match between India and the Netherlands. 

Graham Reid’s Indian side are playing in the tournament for the first time while the Dutch have won the bronze medal last time around. The best hockey-playing nations are participating in the event and all the countries will take the tournament as an ideal preparations in the run up to the Olympics in Tokyo. 

Manpreet Singh-led India will play at familiar surroundings with the match taking place at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium. They have the home and they will look to make most of it in the first match.