Hockey World League Semi-finals: Netherlands defeat India 3-1, wield awesome magic on field

The Indian men’s hockey team were beaten 3-1 by Netherlands in their Pool B match of the Hockey World League semi-final in London. Brinkman, Baart and Pruijser scored for Netherlands, and pipped their team to the top spot of Pool B. Akashdeep scored a consolation goal for India and salvaged some pride.

After weilding magic with their sticks and ensuring a dominating win against Pakistan in their third match, the Indian hockey team took on world number four Netherlands on Tuesday. 

Ranked 6th in the world, India was on top in Pool B with three wins from as many games, while the Netherlands were placed second with two wins from two games. However, Netherlands completely outplayed India in Tuesday's game. 

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FT! India goes down fighting against @oranjehockey in their last game in Pool B in the Hero Men's #HWL2017 SF in London on 20th June. pic.twitter.com/8R3yEkEG9N

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) June 20, 2017

While beating Scotland 4-1 and Canada 3-0 fueled India’s start at the tournament, it was the 7-1 win against Pakistan on Sunday that brought jubilation back home among the Indian hockey fans.

India were handed their first loss in the tournament by a well-drilled Netherlands who took an imposing 3-0 lead before Akashdeep pulled one goal back for his team.

28' A Masterclass finish from Akashdeep Singh pulls one back for India.

🇮🇳 1⃣-3⃣ 🇳🇱#HWL2017 #INDvNED pic.twitter.com/9DJkyg2CZq

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) June 20, 2017

The Dutch were however highly dominating on the field and stamped their authority with ease. They didn't give India even a single breather on the ground and consistently broke the Indian defence. The Indian attack too faltered against the strong Dutch defence and was unable to make any significant mark in the game.

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