India’s double-header against reigning Olympic champions Netherlands in the FIH Pro League 2024/25 ended in heartbreak, as the men in blue suffered back-to-back defeats—1-2 and 2-3—despite spirited performances filled with promise, intensity, and some individual brilliance.
If anything, the matches underlined the fine margins that separate the top teams at this level and the critical importance of seizing key moments.
Match 1: India 1-2 Netherlands – Thijs van Dam Strikes Twice
The first of the two contests, held on Saturday, was an evenly matched affair for long periods, where both teams played aggressive, fast-paced hockey. India started brightly, pressing the Dutch deep and showing more intent in the opening quarter. The breakthrough came in the 19th minute, fittingly through captain Harmanpreet Singh. It was a classic drag-flick off a penalty corner, which thundered into the bottom right to give India a 1-0 lead.
However, the Dutch response was swift. Within six minutes, Thijs van Dam restored parity. A flowing Dutch move sliced through the Indian midfield and van Dam latched onto a loose ball inside the D to beat goalkeeper Krishan Pathak with a composed finish in the 25th minute.
India had chances in the third quarter but failed to convert penalty corners—an issue that would persist across both games. The most painful moment came late in the match. With just over two minutes left on the clock, van Dam struck again, ghosting in from the right to slam home the winner after a quick interchange involving Brinkman and de Mol. It was a moment of quality and opportunism, but also one of defensive disarray for India.
India did have one last attack, but the Netherlands held firm to close out the 2-1 win. The result was a bitter pill to swallow for Craig Fulton’s men, particularly given how well they had matched the Dutch for most of the game. Van Dam’s clinical finishing and India’s inefficiency from penalty corners—0/4—proved decisive.
Match 2: India 2-3 Netherlands – Late Strike Breaks Indian Resistance
If Saturday’s match was heartbreaking, Monday’s follow-up was even more gut-wrenching. In a contest brimming with drama, momentum swings, and chances galore, India went toe-to-toe with the world number one side before falling 2-3 to a late Jip Janssen drag-flick.
India made five changes to the starting lineup and brought in a fresh tactical approach. The first quarter was intense, with India showcasing greater structure in midfield and pressing with clarity. The Dutch had the best chance of the opening period, but a successful Indian referral overturned a penalty corner decision in the 14th minute.
The deadlock broke in the 19th minute when Abhishek Singh, playing his 100th international, showed superb anticipation and awareness to score from close range, giving India a 1-0 lead. Abhishek was everywhere in the first half—defending deep, winning turnovers, and linking up the attack smartly.
However, much like in the previous game, the Dutch struck back quickly. In the 24th minute, Thijs van Dam scored his third goal of the weekend. A long run by Brinkman down the baseline ended with a hopeful aerial lob, which took a deflection off an Indian stick before van Dam instinctively flicked it into goal.
India continued to play on the front foot but failed to capitalise on their possession. The Dutch went ahead early in the third quarter (33’) through Tjep Hoedemakers, who deflected a powerful cross past an unsighted Pathak at the near post. It was a preventable goal, with poor marking compounding an already loose defensive shape.
India responded superbly. After sustained pressure in the fourth quarter, Jugraj Singh converted a drag-flick in the 54th minute to level the score at 2-2. It was India’s first successful PC conversion in six attempts on the day and came at a crucial moment.
But just when it seemed India might push for the winner, disaster struck. In the 56th minute, Lalit Upadhyay had a one-on-one opportunity with Dutch keeper Maurits Visser but squandered the chance with an ill-timed lob. A minute later, Netherlands won a penalty corner after Brinkman brilliantly nutmegged Jugraj, drawing a stick check. Up stepped Jip Janssen, and he made no mistake, firing a rocket into the bottom corner to make it 3-2 with just three minutes to go.
Van Dam the Destroyer
The star across both games was Thijs van Dam. With three goals across the weekend, the Dutch forward was relentless—intelligent in movement, lethal in finishing, and always a step ahead of the Indian backline. His consistency was the biggest differentiator in two matches where there was little to choose between the sides in open play.
What Went Wrong for India?
While the performances had their high points—especially Abhishek’s work rate, Harmanpreet’s leadership, and moments of creative brilliance from Nilakanta and Hardik—the team lacked cutting edge in key moments.
India’s biggest concern was their poor penalty corner conversion rate. Across both matches, they earned 10 PCs and converted only once. This is especially concerning given that PC routines have historically been one of India’s strengths. Harmanpreet was well marshalled, and the injection and trapping were off at times, breaking the rhythm.
Defensively, lapses in the dying moments hurt India deeply. Both games saw the Dutch score late winners, capitalising on positional mistakes and hesitancy from the Indian defence.
Positives to Take Forward
Despite the losses, there were signs of progress under Craig Fulton’s system. The midfield looked more settled, and there were phases where India controlled the tempo well against a top-tier opponent. The press, particularly in the second match, was more structured, and India forced errors high up the pitch.
Abhishek’s performance in his milestone game was a huge positive, as was Jugraj’s confidence from set-pieces. The energy from the younger players also bodes well ahead of future matches in the Pro League.
What Next for India?
India now face Argentina on Wednesday at the same venue. With just one win in their last four Pro League outings, they’ll be desperate to turn performances into results. The team must regroup quickly, sharpen their penalty corner routines, and close games with more tactical maturity.
The Dutch, meanwhile, continue their unbeaten run and look well on track to defend their Olympic crown in Paris next year.
India pushed the best in the world to the limit—twice—but came away with nothing. These defeats hurt not just because of the results, but because of how close India came to scripting different outcomes. The building blocks are clearly in place, but execution under pressure remains the missing ingredient.
As Fulton said post-match: “The structure is working. Now, we need to convert our chances.” That may well be the difference between another missed podium or a genuine medal charge in the near future.
