Preview: Their shoulders are burdened with weight of expectations but it won’t be easy for India to end a 43-year long wait when they take on mighty Netherlands in the quarterfinal of the men’s hockey World Cup, on Thursday. Boasting a rich hockey legacy, India last played in the semi-final of the World Cup way back in 1975 when they went on to lift their maiden title. Of late, the game has witnessed an upward trend in the country but the history does not favour the hosts against the mighty Dutchmen, whom the Indians have never beaten in the World Cup. In the six earlier meetings at the quadrennial event, Netherlands defeated India five times while one ended in a draw. And if Manpreet Singh and his men get past the Dutch on Thursday, they will not only break a jinx but also rewrite history and ink their names in the one of the golden chapters of the Indian hockey. Going by present form and rankings, there is hardly anything to differentiate between the two sides. While Netherlands are placed fourth in the current world rankings, India are a rung below in the fifth position. The last time India and Netherlands faced each in the Champions Trophy earlier this, the match had ended in a 1-1 draw. The over-all head-to-head record belongs to Netherlands. In the 105 games played between the two sides so far, India have won 33, lost 48 while the rest ended in draws. However, the two sides have shared the spoils since 2013. India and Netherlands have faced each other nine times since 2013, winning four apiece while one game finished in a draw. And for India captain Manpreet Singh past results hold significance. “The past results matter a lot because Netherlands have a better result against us. But, we have played well against them recently. We have also beaten them, drew against them at the Champions Trophy. Indian hockey has improved a lot. The match will be tough and whichever team plays better will win,” Manpreet said. The India-Netherlands duel is expected to be a fast-paced, attacking encounter with both the teams heavily relying on their goal scoring abilities to come out winners. Both India and Netherlands have scored heavily in the poll stages. While India have scored 12 goals and conceded three, the Dutch have pumped in 18 goals and conceded five. In the likes of captain Billy Bakker, Seve van Ass, Jeroen Hertzberger, Mirco Pruijser, Robbert Kemperman, Thiery Brinkman, the Dutch have got plenty of experience in the midfield and its strike force. It will be a real test for the Indian defence on Thursday. The Indians too would be relying on their strikers Mandeep Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Lalit Upadhyay and Akashdeep Singh to continue their good work. With the Kalinga Stadium expected to be packed to its full capacity, there will also be tremendous pressure on the Indian team and the Dutch will be more than happy to exploit any mistake. “This will be not be the first time. We have played in front of big crows in pool games and in the past as well. We are used to playing in front of big crowds, Netherlands coach Max Caldas said. “We always try to play in our own pace, whether it is fast or slow. We like to dictate. We are not concerned about India because we can’t influence what India will do.” Netherlands skipper Bakker added: “The Indian team also has lot of pressure. They need to perform in front of their home crowd. So I feel the pressure is more on the Indian team than us.” Meanwhile in the first quarterfinal, Germany will take on Belgium.
India vs Netherlands, Hockey World Cup 2018 quarter-final, Match highlights: Dutch hold on to beat hosts 2-1
Catch the Live score and updates from the Hockey World Cup 2018 quarter-final match between India and Netherlands
 "India vs Netherlands, Hockey World Cup 2018 quarter-final, Match highlights: Dutch hold on to beat hosts 2-1")
Looks like India coach Harendra Singh had a fiery press conference, He put the blame on umpiring.
So that’s all we have for tonight. A disappointing day for India. Netherlands will cherish this victory. In the first semi-final of the World Cup on Saturday, England will take on Belgium. Today’s winners Netherlands will play Australia in the second semi-final.
Thank you for staying with us. Goodbye!
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
The Bhubaneswar crowd is silenced! They are upset. India, once again, fail to make it to the semi-final. Their wait continues as Netherlands deservingly progress to the last-four stage. They will play Australia next.
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
That’s it, then. India’s campaign ends with a whimper. The writing was throughout on the wall.
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
People are already exiting the arena. Not the best way to support a struggling team. India’s struggles, meanwhile, continue on the turf.
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
Less than two minutes left in the match.
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
The TV umpire says no so no penalty corner.
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
Good defence by the Indian first runners! Netherlands want another penalty corner and they take the referral.
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
India lose their referral after they appealed for a stick block. The TV umpire denies it. And now Netherlands have a penalty corner!
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
India have removed their ‘keeper. They really have no choice. I don’t see an Indian goal coming from anywhere. Having said that, there still is enough time for a goal.
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
The clock is ticking for India. They are just not able to stitch a decent move, and as I write this, a PC goes to waste. Less than four minutes to go.
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
Less than five minutes left in the final quarter.
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
Nothing for India. Harmanpreet SIngh’s shot is blocked and the rebound is saved by the Dutch goalkeeper.
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
Penalty corner for India. Nicely done by Chinglensana!
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
Yellow card for Amit Rohidas so he’s out for 10 minutes. Frustration from the Indians.
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
GOAL!! Netherlands on the move. That could be a decisive lead. Dutch have silenced this crowd.
INDIA 1-2 NETHERLANDS
It’s a retake and they score! Netherlands have taken the lead!
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Penalty corner for the Dutch!
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Akashdeep again!! That was a chance. He misses a pass from Simranjeet. Not good.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Terrific work from Simranjeet to beat defenders on the right. The pass is perfect but Akashdeep is nowhere near the ball. Missed chance, yet again!
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Varun’s pass deflects after hitting a Dutch attacker’s foot so it’s no goal. India survive!
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
The Dutch scored but Indians have reviewed it.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Third quarter ends. This has been an error-prone quarter for India. They missed chances, conceded turnovers, and allowed the Dutch to control pace. Last 15 mins. They need a goal.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
GOAL? No no no. The referee says it’s free hit for Netherlands as India net the ball. And that’s the end of the third quarter.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Less than two minutes left the third quarter. Will we see a goal from either of the teams?
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Dilpreet again! He misses a pass from Lalit. This is not good, India. Unforced errors may come back to bite as the game progresses.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Now the Dutch miss two good chances. Mirco fumbles the first time and then no Dutch attacker is present in the danger area for a pass from the left side.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
OH WHAT A CHANCE! Surendra’s aerial pass to Lalit and the forward hits it to Dilpreet, but it’s just off the mark.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Akashdeep scored today but he’s not done anything significant after that. Missing few key passes and chances. He needs to up the ante.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
The second penalty corner hits the knee of Amit Rohidas so it’s a free hit for India.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Yet another penalty corner for the Dutch but yet again, they miss it.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Akashdeep!! What a miss, that…he just had a goalie to beat, and he hits high.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Akashdeep Singh with another good chance. His shot flies over the bar and now Netherlands have a penalty corner.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Not so great penalty corner by the Dutch. Indian clear away the danger.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Penalty corner for the Dutch. Good attacking move by Netherlands.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Alright then, time for the third quarter.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Half-time. This has been an absorbing 30 minutes so far, with both teams threatening each other. The defence of both teams has stood tall, which partly explains the scoreline. Expect something unusual in the third quarter.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
End of the second quarter! No goals in the 15-minute play. India took the lead through Akashdeep Singh, but Thierry Brinkman made it 1-1 just before the end of the first quarter. Time for a break
Game on!
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Nilakanta Sharma gets the ball in the D, but a weak shot is kicked away by the rival goalie. The ball is still in the D though, but Nilakanta misses the final touch. The defence has stood tall though; Varun, Amit and Surender have been superb so far.
INDIA 1-1 NETHERLANDS
Manpreet Singh doing extremely well in holding the midfield. He has been instrumental in more than one chances being created by the Indians.
WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 2 results: Cody Rhodes beats John Cena in wild title match
Brock Lesnar's return headlines Night Two of WWE Summerslam Cody Rhodes defeats John Cena to become the Undisputed WWE Champion Becky Lynch defeats Lyra Valkyria to stay Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
More Impact Shorts "US ready to ‘impose costs’ on Russia if war in Ukraine drags on, says Hegseth")
 "US tells Hamas to stop violence against Gaza civilians and disarm 'without delay'")
 "China seizes 60,000 maps mislabelling Taiwan, omitting South China Sea islands")
 "Syria’s Sharaa pledges to honor Russia ties, seeks economic and military support in Kremlin visit")
 "US ready to ‘impose costs’ on Russia if war in Ukraine drags on, says Hegseth")
 "US tells Hamas to stop violence against Gaza civilians and disarm 'without delay'")
 "China seizes 60,000 maps mislabelling Taiwan, omitting South China Sea islands")
 "Syria’s Sharaa pledges to honor Russia ties, seeks economic and military support in Kremlin visit")
Top Shows
