Courtesy: Google
On June 7, 2025, India lost 2-1 to Netherlands with a late goal in the FIH Pro League 2024-25 game held at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. At the very start, there was no goal in the first quarter. In the 19th minute, India utilised a penalty corner as captain Harmanpreet Singh stepped up and grabbed the opportunity with a goal. In the 25th minute, Thijs van Dam held his nerves and helped the Dutch side make a comeback. He hoaxed India’a goalkeeper Krishan Pathak with a sensational strike. In the half-time, both teams went back to their camps with a level score of 1-1.
Following the superb action in the second quarter, there was no real goal-scoring chance for both teams in the third quarter. With two minutes left in the conclusion of the game, the hosts’ forward van Dam again caused trouble for the visitors again as he showcased his courageous side in the pressure situation and racked up his second goal of the match in the 58th minute. Indian fans were expecting their team to produce something phenomenal in the final second of the contest but nothing such happened as the Dutch team was declared victorious after the umpire’s whistle. Both teams will now take on each other again at the same venue on June 9. This was Netherlands’ third win in the competition after nine outings.
India will look to avenge their defeat in the next contest on June 9
India will look to get rid of their frailty to beat the hosts in the next match in two days time. India, who are sitting in fourth place in the FIH Pro League 2024-25 table with 15 points earned through five wins and four losses, are looking to gain the top spot to punch their tickets for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup to be held in Wavre and Amstelveen.
England and Belgium are ahead of India with 16 points respectively, with a game in hand, while Netherlands lead the standings with 17 points in nine matches. The English side have already qualified for the marquee event in 2027. India will play seven more games in the tournament.
