Error-prone Indian hockey eves drubbed 1-8 by Netherlands

File Photo: The Netherlands’ Kim Lammers (2-R) celebrates with teammates Sabine Mol (R).

The writing was clearly on the wall as the Indian women’s hockey team took on world number one Netherlands in the Hockey World League semi-finals in Rotterdam.

A team, whose morale was battered by heavy defeats at the hands of New Zealand (0-7) and Germany (1-7), Indian eves not only surprised their supporters but also themselves when they kept the supremely-talented Dutch women at bay for the first twenty minutes of play.

But once Kim Lammers rattled the cage in the 23^rd minute, it was the same old story for the Indian women, who went on to suffer another morale-pounding 1-8 defeat, which became a ridiculously one-sided as the match wore on.

However, the Indians kept the boisterous Dutch supporters guessing, striving to maintain possession and throwing themselves around in defence.

Indian goalkeeper Savita was a revelation – she foiled three penalty corners efforts of Netherlands captain Paumen Maartje in the first-half, before the latter finally breached her defence close to half-time to help the home side lead 2-0.

India’s strong defensive play in the first half gave way to a more error-prone display leading to a plethora of penalty corners for Netherlands.

It was due to Savita’s dogged resistance that the Netherlands were able to convert only three out of their thirteen penalty corners.

Ellen Hogg consolidated the Dutch lead in the second half scoring her team’s side third goal in the 44^th minute off a short corner.

Much to the surprise of many, India responded with a beauty of a goal from Vandana Katariya in the 48^th minute.

Hardly had the Indians celebrated that goal, Valerie Magis struck again one minute later. Eva De Goede converted a penalty corner in the 57 minute to make it 5-1.

The Indian midfield was non-existent with captain Ritu Rani cutting a sorry figure. She was repeatedly dispossessed and failed to provide any assistance to the forward line.

Given the non-functioning midfield, the likes of Poonam Rani and Anupa Barla hardly proved effective, mostly spending time in the Indian half trying to clear the ball from the Dutch players.

In fact, the team’s performance upfront showed that it sorely missed the services of talented Rani Rampal, who pulled out of the tournament owing to a prolonged back injury.

Sabine Mol made the most of the Indians’ poor midfield play – and rapidly deteriorating defensive play – as she toyed with the Indians in the closing stages of the match.

Sabine Mol added the sixth goal for the Dutch in the 63^rd minute.

Paumen Marrtje scored her second goal for the day in the 65^th minute, while Eva De Goede converted another penalty corner in the final minute of play to cap off a 8-1 rout.

Indian women will now play Japan in a classification match to decide the positions 5-8 on Thursday.