India´s great comback, spearheaded by captain Jothi Sunita Kullu and anchor Sanggai Chanu, in the second half gave them a respect even as this fell short of a goal in snatching a point from the Netherlands. The Dutch won the opener 3-2, but struggled to hold on the lead till the end.
India conceded early goals, each within start of first and second half, but bounced back into the top gear after conceding three goals.
Usually authoritive defenders the comaback kid Suman Bala and very steady Binita Toppo gave an outstanding display in the second half that set the tempo of the forwardline, where Jothi as usual threw her upfront with energetic and classic with the ball run downs. Wingers Saba Anjum and Mamta Kharab were fouund wanting in their zones, yet left half Sanggai untiring in her efforts, the forward line´s thrust bore fruits.
Another comeback girls in the side, ably knitted by veteran M.K. Kaushik, Surinder Kaur, scored both the goals. However, it was saddening to see the otherwise reputed scorer Jasjeet Kaur, missing a sitter. After the goalkeeper was beaten by a clever pass from Jothi, she had amble time to collect the ball, but she chose to hit very hard. The ball slipped the net and went from right outside of the net. Jasteet who scored the golden goal in the Asia Cup final, is pale shadow of her past and quicker she regains her for, better for India here.
Both Holland and India availed their chances well. India converted the only penalty corner it got, while the Dutch´s entry into the circle were eventful and fruitful.
India has to blame for themselves for the defeat where a draw was well within their reach. They seemed to be overawed by the occasion in the first half and could not clear the midfield domination of their rivals. They appeared even nervous and ball bounced from their sticks on stopping, which gave enough elbow room for the Dutch to keep their pressure of attacking all the time in the first half.
However, the Indians, ranked 13 and the lowest here, endearved themseves well and by a brave and useful second half served a notice to other teams that they are no push overs. Every one is talking about india here. That is a healthy sign.