After a day's rest, one expected a fast-paced game between India and Holland yesterday. But nothing of that sort happened, and the Dutch eventually got the better of the Indians 2-1
Dejected Indian players after their 1-2 loss to Netherlands. Pic/AFP
After a day's rest, one expected a fast-paced game between India and Holland yesterday. But nothing of that sort happened, and the Dutch eventually got the better of the Indians 2-1.
Dejected Indian players after their 1-2 loss to Netherlands. Pic/AFP
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The first two quarters was confined to midfield play, and the Dutch looked a pale shadow of their World No 2 ranking. India seemed content containing the free-flowing Dutch attack from entering the striking circle.
The Netherlands scored both their goals from penalty corners — Rogier Hofman (32nd minute) and Mink van der Weerden (54th) — while India pulled one back through VR Raghunath (38th).
In an earlier, article, I had written about Raghunath having mended his ways over the years and overcome his rough tackling. I probably spoke too soon. He got two cards — a green and yellow yesterday — and was out for 12 long minutes. Forward SV Sunil too joined him in the sin bin leaving Indian playing with nine men at one stage.
The other player to get a card was Mr Consistent — SK Uthappa. He's now got three cards in four games. Coach Roelant Oltmans should be fuming at this sort of indiscipline and must pull up the erring players.
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