Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra
Bhubaneswar, Dec 9: After losing two consecutive matches, a resurgent Indian team came back with intent to edge past a mighty Netherlands 3-2 in a thrilling Pool-B match at the Kalinga Stadium here Tuesday. SV Sunil (33th minute), Manpreet Singh (47th minute) and Rupinderpal Singh (49th minute) scored a goal each for the Blue shirts. Mink Van der Weerden struck twice for the Netherlands in the 36th and 58th minutes. Manpreet bagged the man of the match award for his brilliant display.
India displayed skillful and aggressive hockey right from the start in this keenly contested match. They dominated the initial stages of the first quarter having major possession of the ball. With their short passes and brilliant defending, India made life difficult for the visitors and in the process created quite a few scoring opportunities. But poor shooting led to a goalless first quarter.
It was the turn of the Netherlands in the second quarter to dominate. However, the Indian defenders and custodian PR Sreejesh stood firm and foiled the Dutch moves. India earned two penalty corners late in the session but failed to convert them.
The third quarter was really productive for both the sides. Sunil scored just three minutes after the lemon break by hitting a splendid shot from the right corner of the box. Mink Van der Weerden retaliated by scoring the equaliser just after three minutes. The match ended 1-1 till the third quarter.
Hockey turned to it’s attacking and thrilling best in the fourth quarter with the audience at the jam- packed stadium roaring their support for India. Manpreet scored from the top of the ‘D’ with a powerful drive to restore India’s lead much to the delight of the crowd. Two minutes later, India got a penalty corner and Rupinder duly hit the target and it was 3-1 much to the delight of the crowd.
However, they relaxed a bit and Weerden punished India for that. However, the Indians held on to their nerves to emerge victorious in the end.
India finished third in Pool B with three points and will take on Belgium in the quarterfinals, Thursday.
