New Delhi: India has suffered a big setback in the Hockey World Cup 2026. In an important match played at Wagner Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, host Netherlands defeated India 3-1. One mistake in the third quarter cost India dearly and the match completely turned upside down in the last 15 minutes.
Missed in the third quarter, Netherlands took a decisive lead
India kept good control on the match till the first two quarters, no goals were scored. In the 41st minute, Netherlands made a sharp attack from the right flank. Even before Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera could clear the ball, Dutch player Duco Telgenkamp deflected the ball and scored.
After this Netherlands gained momentum. In just a few passes from defense to attack, he put pressure on the Indian defence. In the 52nd minute, Hoedmakers made the score 3-1 with a brilliant touch in a sharp attack from the right end, which proved to be decisive.
Harmanpreet scored a goal, but India missed many chances
India had no less chances to make a comeback. After the 52nd minute, Rajinder intelligently won a penalty corner in the goal box. Captain Harmanpreet Singh took a drag-flick, the first attempt hit the leg of the Dutch defender, the second got PC.
For the second time, Harmanpreet made no mistake and put a low powerful shot into the net from the right side of the goalkeeper. But, this goal was insufficient. Earlier in the 24th minute, Dilpreet Singh was in front of the goal on a magical pass from Manpreet Singh, but the Dutch goalkeeper made a brilliant save.
Harmanpreet's shots at many penalty corners were blocked or deflected by the Dutch rushers. Shilanand Lakra took PC in the 43rd minute, but the variation done with Sanjay did not work.
Fighting performance of Manpreet and goalkeepers
Despite the defeat, the spirit of midfielder Manpreet Singh was the highlight of the match. He himself came forward and stopped Netherlands' attacks on three consecutive penalty corners and energized the team.
Goalkeepers Mohit and Suraj Karkera also made many difficult saves, otherwise the difference could have been bigger. This defeat is a lesson for India that in big tournaments even a mistake of one second is costly. Now the team will have to work on both finishing and defense in the next matches.
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