Rotterdam: India went down to Netherlands 0-2 in their FIH World League Round 3 match here on Saturday. First half goals from Billy Bakker and Jeroen Hertzberger proved to be enough for the win, moving the Dutch level on points with New Zealand at the top of Pool B.
India failed to post a win for the second time in a row. India were held to a draw by lower-ranked Ireland in their tournament opener. The Indians have had a couple of clear chances towards the end but lacked finishing abilities, which gave Netherlands their first win of the tournament.
Netherlands started the match in lightning fashion, taking the lead inside two minutes thanks to a sensational goal from Billy Bakker that delighted the large partisan crowd. Baker unleashed a ferocious reverse stick shot from a tight angle that rocketed past Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh at breakneck speed to give The Netherlands a perfect start to the contest.
The Dutch were in irresistible form in the first period, and could easily have been further ahead were it not for the excellence of Sreejesh. Eventually though, The Netherlands soon added to their tally from the penalty spot, with Jeroen Hertzberger making no mistake with an expert finish.
India grew in confidence as the half progressed, but it was the Dutch who remained the superior outfit and constantly threatened with some impressive, high paced attacking moves before the half time hooter sounded.
The Indian resurgence continued in the second half with a trio of hard earned penalty corners, but the Asians could not find a way past ace Netherlands goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann. Sandeep Singh came closest to netting for the Indians with a powerful penalty corner drag-flick, but Stockmann dived to his left to make a wonderful save with his glove.