Breda (The Netherlands), July 22 (IANS) India lost 1-2 to hosts the Netherlands in a league match of the men’s Volvo International Under-21 hockey tournament here on Wednesday.
India, who on Tuesday lost to Belgium 1-3, found their scorer in Armaan Qureshi in the 59th minute. Bram van Groesen’s brace — one through a penalty stroke in the 18th minute and the other a field goal in the 57th minute — sealed the match in favour of the Dutch colts.
However, Harendra Singh-coached India will take heart from the brilliant performance under the bar from Suraj Karkera, who thwarted all the penalty corners during the match.
The Netherlands began well, earning a couple of penalty corners in the first 10 minutes, which were foiled by the Indian defence.
In the 18th minute, the Dutch colts were awarded a penalty stroke, which was perfectly converted by van Groesen.
After conceding the unfortunate goal, the Indians fought back and attacked from all sides. However, they faced the stiff defence of the home side and could not materialise on the opportunities. Post a close battle, the first-half finished at 1-0 in favour of the Netherlands.
In the second half a desperate Indian attack, led by Simranjeet Singh, Armaan and skipper Harjeet Singh, pressed hard, managing to create several circle penetrations.
In the 57th minute, the host team counter-attacked and van Groesen made it 2-0. However, the home team’s joy was short-lived as Indian forward Armaan reduced the margin to one in the 59th minute.
With the motivating goal, the Indian colts attacked with more aggression and fought for the equaliser which didn’t come.