Amstelveen, June 7 – India’s men’s hockey team kicked off their European leg of the 2024–25 FIH Pro League with a disappointing 1-2 loss to reigning Olympic champions Netherlands.
After taking the lead through a trademark drag-flick from captain Harmanpreet Singh in the second quarter, India looked poised for a statement win — only to be undone by a clinical Dutch side and a late winner from Thijs Dam, who struck twice to turn the match on its head.
The result sees India slip from third to fourth in the standings, missing a golden opportunity to leapfrog into top position. This was a match they could have taken something from — not just in terms of points, but momentum and confidence — yet it ended in familiar frustration.
The Game: A Tale of Two Halves
India started the match with structure and discipline, keeping the Dutch at bay and pressing with calculated intent. Harmanpreet’s drag-flick, rifled into the net in the 22nd minute, was a moment of quality — his first major strike since returning from injury. It momentarily silenced the home crowd and gave India a deserved lead at the break.
However, the second half saw a noticeable dip. India sat back, dropped deeper, and invited pressure. The defensive line — led ably by Amit Rohidas and Jugraj Singh — held firm for long periods, but the lack of support from the midfield and forwards meant that clearances often resulted in hopeful aerials rather than structured counterattacks.
The Dutch, meanwhile, began to take control. Thijs van Dam found the equaliser in the third quarter, and as India grew more passive, he sealed the game in the dying minutes with a stunning reverse-hit finish — a goal that showcased his class and punished India’s retreat.
Tactical Woes: Low Block, No Outlet
Coach Craig Fulton’s defense-first philosophy was on full display. While India’s backline showed great resilience for most parts, the team’s reluctance to press and lack of pace in transition were evident.
The midfield trio of Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad showed flashes of control, but without speedy outlets up front, India’s attacking build-up lacked fluidity. Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh were industrious but isolated. Too often, long balls into the circle were the only way forward — predictable and easily handled by the Dutch defence.
This match laid bare a recurring issue: India’s overreliance on deep defending limits their offensive punch. There was no plan B, no real attempt to shift momentum after conceding. “Just sitting deep and defending will not work with the Dutch,” said one former player on social media — and tonight proved that.
The Positives: Defensive Structure and Preparation
Despite the result, this was arguably India’s most prepared showing in a Pro League opener. The defensive structure was largely solid, with few lapses until the very end. That they pushed the full-strength Olympic champions into the final minutes speaks volumes of the team’s potential.
Fulton’s system clearly prioritised control, and for long stretches, India executed that well. But control without ambition rarely wins matches — especially at this level.
A Wake-Up Call for the Forwards
India created precious few chances. The attacking unit — often vibrant and unpredictable — looked hesitant and out of sync. Whether it was the absence of dynamic wingers or lack of creative play in the final third, the team didn’t threaten enough once ahead. Harmanpreet’s goal was India’s only real moment of menace.
There’s no question the forwards will need to step up. The likes of Mandeep Singh and Gurjant Singh have experience at this level and will be expected to deliver in the coming matches. Fresh energy, perhaps even rotation, might be needed to inject pace and penetration.
Looking Ahead: Redemption in Next Game?
This loss will sting, but it’s also not unfamiliar territory for Craig Fulton’s India. In previous doubleheaders, the team has often shown significant improvement in the second match. With upcoming games against stronger teams, the path ahead is challenging but not impossible.
Final Score:
🇳🇱 Netherlands 2–1 India 🇮🇳
(India scorer: Harmanpreet Singh – 22’)
(Netherlands: Thijs van Dam – 37’, 58’)
India’s next match in the FIH Pro League will be a crucial test of their ability to respond — not just with structure, but with purpose.
Where to Watch:
📺 Live on Star Sports
📱 Streaming on JioCinema & Disney+ Hotstar
#FIHProLeague #IndianHockey #INDvsNED #HarmanpreetSingh #CraigFulton #ThijsvanDam
