All Indian head coach Roelant Oltmans wanted from his team was a bit of consistency going into the match against The Netherlands after securing a credible draw against Germany a couple of days ago.
But his players let him down on Monday, as India lost 1-3 to the Dutch for their second defeat in the league stage of the Hockey World League (HWL) Final in Raipur. With two losses and a draw in three outings, the hosts finished at the bottom of Pool B. However, the format is such that India still make the quarterfinals slated to begin from Wednesday, and will face the table toppers of Pool A in the quarters.
Coming off a draw against Olympic champions Germany, fans would've hoped for India to maintain that level against the World No. 3 team. Sardar Singh & Co did hold on to their own in the first half, denying the Dutch to get ahead of the game as the scoreboard read 0-0 at the half time.
But after the break, The Netherlands attack was all over the Indians. They took the lead in the 36th minute through a penalty corner conversion by Mink van der Weerden. The penalty corner was a gift, courtesy needless dangerous play by Birendra Lakra. Van der Weerden was all too happy to take it, placing the ball low to the right of Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.
Seven minutes later, the feeble Indian defence ensured that the Dutch doubled their lead.
Forward Mirco Pruijser was left unmarked inside the box and all he had to do was connect a cross from van der Weerden.
Just when it looked all downhill for the hosts, Chinglensana Singh made sure that India scored from their first penalty corner in the 47th minute. Chinglensana was quick to play a rebound shot after Rupinderpal Singh's stroke was saved by the Dutch goalkeeper.
But if there was any hope of an Indian fightback after that goal, it was put to rest in the 54th minute after Roel Bovendeert made it 3-1 for the The Netherlands. Bovendeert got plenty of space in the box to slam the ball inside the Indian goal after teammate Floris van der Linden set up a brilliant ball by maneuvering past three clueless Indian defenders.
Oltmans said after the game that India'n players' problem lies in their inability to apply the finishing touches.
"We should get more out of our circle penetrations. One of the things which is hurting us is the final pass. Our final decision needs to improve. If you enter the circle at a very high speed and you don't take time to give the final ball to the right player, then it's disappointing. If you see how Holland scored the last goal, it was the right final pass and that is one of the things we need to change, especially at the top level," he said.
The Dutchman also pleaded for fans to show some patience in terms of results from this team before the all-important 2016 Rio Olympics.
"We are working hard and in certain phases we can get lost. We have got some months to work. We need to be a little more patient," he said.
—with agency inputs
DID YOU KNOW?
This game was Indian dragflicker VR Raghunath's 200th international game for the country
The Netherlands avenged their 2-3 loss to India during the Champions Trophy in Bhubaneshwar last year
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