Hockey World Cup 2018, Netherlands vs Malaysia: 5 Talking Points

#1 Tough Competition for India

The Netherlands would give India a run for their money (Image Courtesy: Hockey India)

With Jeroen Hertzberger's hattrick, he has toppled Gonzalo Peillat, Augustin Mazzili and Simranjeet Singh to become the highest goalscorer for his country.

This also spells a concern for India, who would probably face the Dutch side sooner than later in the knockouts.

The coach Harendra Singh has already made his concern clear when he termed their forthcoming encounter with the Belgian side as a 'virtual pre-quarterfinal'.

In such a scenario, he would have no doubt followed the Netherlands match with close interest. As such, the result will have increased his worries without any doubt, since he is expected to end the long-standing medal drought for India in this World Cup.

The way Netherlands has played throughout the match, it spells trouble for every other major team who is attempting to stake their claim on the World Cup.

It would be interesting to see if they manage to sail through the pool stage with as much ease as they did today against Malaysia.

Head to Sportskeeda to check out the Hockey World Cup schedule for the upcoming matches