Amstelveen: India’s Hockey World Cup campaign delivered contrasting results, with the women’s team knocked out after a goalless draw against Australia while the men’s side suffered a 1-3 defeat to reigning Olympic champions Netherlands despite putting up a strong fight.
The Indian women’s team needed a victory in its final second round match to secure a semifinal place, but could manage only a 0-0 draw against Australia in Amstelveen. The result sent Australia into the last four on the basis of having scored more goals in the competition.
The qualification race had become a direct battle between the two sides after the Netherlands defeated China 4-1 earlier in the day. While India needed all three points, Australia only needed to avoid defeat.
The men’s team, meanwhile, showed considerable resilience against a formidable Netherlands side on Saturday. India matched the three time World Cup champions for long periods, maintaining the tempo and creating opportunities despite playing on Dutch home turf.
However, two defensive lapses proved costly. The Netherlands opened the scoring in the 41st minute after Tijmen Reyenga found space before Duco Telgenkamp finished with a reverse flick.
The Dutch doubled their advantage in the 51st minute when Koen Bijen’s diagonal delivery was deflected into the Indian goal by Tjep Hoedemakers.
India responded through captain Harmanpreet Singh, who converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag flick to reduce the deficit and revive hopes of a comeback.
Those hopes were short lived. A midfield turnover by Manpreet Singh in the 55th minute allowed the Netherlands to launch a rapid counter attack. With three Dutch attackers breaking into the circle, Thijs van Dam found an open goal and restored the two goal advantage.
Despite the defeat, India’s ability to match the pace and intensity of one of the world’s strongest hockey teams offered encouragement. The team defended bravely, created attacking opportunities and showed strong physical endurance.
However, with qualification now dependent on other results and goal difference, India’s margin for error has become extremely narrow as the World Cup reaches its decisive stage.
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