Indian team failed to secure full three points in the second match of the ongoing European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League in Amsterdam.
India’s poor penalty corner conversion once again came under scrutiny as they lost to Netherlands in the FIH Pro League in Amsterdam on Monday.
Dring the second match of the European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League on Monday, the Indian side—led by captain Harmanpreet Singh—was unable to convert as many as eight penalty corners in the third quarter of a thrilling encounter as they lost 2-3.
Taking an early lead in the high-voltage match against the Netherlands was a positive for the Indian team. However, conceding a late goal in the fast-paced contest remains a concern for India’s foreign coach, Craig Fulton.
India’s star drag flicker Harmanpreet Singh had an off day, as did his teammates, including Amit Rohitdas. Jugraj Singh, however, managed to convert a penalty corner in the 54th minute, reviving India’s hopes of sharing the points with a 2–2 scoreline.
But a defensive lapse allowed the Dutch side to steal the win, with Jip Janssen scoring in the 57th minute to help the Netherlands retain the top spot on the league table with 20 points. India is currently in fourth place with 15 points, behind England and Belgium (both with 16 points).
As usual, India took the lead in the 20th minute through a field goal by Abhishek. But goals from Thijs van Dam (24′) and Tjep Hoedemakers (33′) put the Indian team under pressure. The team then missed several penalty corners during the third quarter.
Jugraj Singh’s conversion in the 54th minute raised hopes of sharing points, but just three minutes later, Janssen’s goal off a penalty corner proved crucial. The tight Dutch defence did not provide India any chance to equalise.
Speaking in the post-match interaction with FIH, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh said it was a good start but lack of finishing hurt the team. “We have to work on our defence and improve in some areas to earn full points in the upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League matches,” he added. “The European leg is a good opportunity to play against the best in business.”
