India to play The Netherlands today on the main pitch

Having already had a taste of friendly match – it was against Argentina on Tuesday which India won 2-1 – its big time for the hosts. India will take on the title favourites The Netherlands tomorrow in its second friendly. The match is scheduled for 20 hrs on the main pitch.

Media are yet to get free access to the campus. The organizers have promised the accreditation issue will be settled by tomorrow, that case the site will be able to bring out a detailed account of this match.

The Netherlands team had already had experience of the turf with a fluent ran away win over South Africa on Wednesday. India match will be their friendly as well.

In the match against South Africa, the Netherlands posted 7 goals against two by the Africans. Surprisingly, South Africa converted its first penalty corner to strike first in the match. They dominated the match for about 20 minutes after that it was all one-sided in favour of The Netherlands. Though The Netherlands did not get single penalty corner, it scored through field manoevures all its goals.

Meanwhile, the Indian team had yesterday chequed in to the official hotel, the robust and the best of five-star hotels in the capital the Le Merridien. Its team hotel, all other ten teams who have reached are staying here.

Practice Match Schedule for Thursday (25th Feb 2009)

8-10: Australia practice on Pitch 1
8-10: Canada practice on Pitch 2
16.00: Germany Vs Argentina friendly match
18.00: Argentina Vs South Africa friendly
20.00: England Vs New Zealand Pitch No.2
20-00: India Vs Netherlands.