Despite being 0-2 at the end of first quarter, India bounced back to script a memorable 4-3 victory over The Netherlands in the quarterfinal of the Junior World Cup. India was somewhat subdued in the first quarter, giving an impression that they are run of the mill stuff. While the most expected a rout like what happened against Spain (1-4), the team turned around and picked themselves up before winning the crucial tie.
We should have scored more goals, say 4-0 at half time. We were creating opportunities but did not score. This cost us, as India is known for its defence and in scoring”, opined Jesse Mahieu, the Dutch coach.
We motivated ourselves after the first quarter. We had a belief in us, in our team’s strength. We never thought we will lose the match despite 0-2 down early. Our self belief imbibed with us by the coach and the staff made us deliver today”, said Uttam Singh, who is on his second Junior World Cup.
” We did not change the structure or strategy in any quarter. We maintained everything intact. We know if we keep our structure we will win. This has happened, analysed victorious coach CR Kumar.
Timo Boers struck the first goal mid way through fifth minute and then a minute after commencement of second quarter Heijden added through another penalty corners, it appeared the Dutch juggarnauth is rolling, and more goals were expected.
However, India picked up the threads thereafter leading to 2-2 square up in the 35th minute. The qualized was struck by lanky Araijeet Hundal when he immaculately converted a stroke.
“The stroke was India’s luck”, said Dutch coach later.
Before this, Aditya Lalage opened India’s scoring in a melee. (1-2).
India was a changed and charged side after cancelled out two goals lead of their rival, but saw fortunes swing on either circle. Ooiver Hertenius converted another penalty corner, the Dutch tails was up.
Thereafter, India pressed hard. Saurabh Anand and then Uttam Singh capitalized on excellent midfield supply to see through the quarters.
But it was not that easy even in hindsight.
Over all the Dutch pressed 12 penalty corners, last seven in the last 120 seconds. First charger Rohit was unrelenting in his art while Mohit, who guarded the cage for all the tense sixty minutes, gave his best. The last penalty corner he defended reminisced the Tokyo bronze medal match where PR Sreejesh did the encore against last minute blitzkrieg of Germany.
India will now taken on Germany in the semifinal on Thursday.
Earlier, Germany edged past Argentina 2-1.
Two other QFs will be played in the evening session.