A 2–1 defeat in the first game and a 3–2 loss in the second means India walked away with zero points. However, that’s not the full story. In both matches, India didn’t just compete. They controlled long stretches, disrupted Dutch rhythm, and looked like a team with serious structure and bite. The Netherlands had to rely on individual brilliance and hold on under pressure. The score line flatters them. The performance belonged to both sides.
Match 1: A Game of Two Halves
India led through Harmanpreet Singh’s 19th-minute penalty corner. For the first two quarters, they looked the better side. Fresh from their Ireland tour, the team played with composure. They pressed high, forced Dutch errors, and denied space to build from the back.
However, the lack of sharpness in the circle hurt them. The Indian team created chances but couldn’t extend the lead. Eventually, Thijs van Dam punished them with two goals. One was a sharp finish, the other a smart run. The Dutch didn’t dominate. They just used their few chances better.
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Match 2: A Battle to the Wire
The second match had more end-to-end action, but it was still India who looked more dangerous. Abhishek opened the scoring in the 20th minute, but Van Dam equalized almost immediately. Tjep Hoedemakers soon made it 2–1. India created more opportunities and won several penalty corners but couldn’t convert.
Jugraj Singh, who had earlier gone off with a head injury, returned to equalize with a well-taken PC. It looked like India had done enough to earn a point, but with three minutes left, Jip Janssen found the net from another Dutch penalty corner.
Five Key Takeaways for India
India’s High Press Keeps Causing Problems
The Netherlands like to dominate the ball and build play through short passes and off-the-ball movement. That didn’t happen here. India’s high press was relentless. Every time they lost the ball, they pressed in numbers. The Dutch struggled to circulate the ball cleanly and were forced into rushed passes. Forwards and midfielders worked in sync to win the ball deep in the Dutch half. It broke the flow of the game and tilted control toward India in key phases.
Defensive Structure Was Strong
Outside of a few moments from Van Dam and the headless patch from Jugraj, India’s defense looked settled. Positioning was tight, marking was disciplined, and support from midfield was constant. The Dutch found very little joy down the flanks. This allowed India to soak up pressure and spring counters with confidence.
Jugraj Needs a Confidence Boost
Jugraj’s equaliser saved the second game from becoming another missed opportunity. But his overall performance showed signs of doubt. His passing lacked forward intent, and his defending often felt uncertain. Even the head injury was avoidable. It came from poor positioning, not bad luck. He is clearly talented, but he needs a stretch of games where he isn’t looking over his shoulder. A stint abroad could help. Right now, he isn’t playing like someone ready to lead.
India Is Physically and Tactically on Par
These were two fast, physical matches, and India looked strong through all eight quarters. The Dutch, in contrast, looked tired in the final phases. India didn’t just run harder. They held their shape better and made better decisions under pressure. Over the last year, India has shown it can go head-to-head with top teams. The gap is now in execution, not structure or conditioning.
Forward Line Still Feels Unsettled
Abhishek looked sharp again. Sukhjeet had his moments too. But beyond them, India lacked presence in the Dutch circle. The passing in the final third was slow. The decisions were often delayed. There were chances to shoot or play a quick pass, but hesitation crept in. Mandeep and Rajinder struggled in the first game, while others failed to offer anything significantly different. Fulton still hasn’t found a settled forward line. That has to change before the crunch games arrive.
What’s Next
India plays Argentina next. On paper, this should be a chance to gain momentum. After that come Australia and Belgium. Six games remain. The team has a strong spine. Now it’s about getting more out of the forward line and making their pressure count on the scoreboard.
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From the Stands: Two Idiots and a Whistle
Fan 1: “They said blue pitch makes the ball easier to spot.”
Fan 2: “Right — just not for players, umpires, or fans.”
