India heads into its Hockey World Cup clash against the Netherlands on Sunday with a recent victory over the host to draw on.
The last meeting between the two sides came in the FIH Pro League in June in Rotterdam, where India produced a disciplined defensive performance to beat the Netherlands 3-2.
India took the lead midway through the second quarter when Jugraj Singh thumped a powerful dragflick from a Penalty Corner past the Dutch defence. The advantage lasted only moments, with Pepijn van der Heijden responding with an emphatic dragflick of his own.
India regained the lead before half-time through Abhishek. Jarmanpreet Singh’s pass found him inside the circle, and after an excellent first touch, Abhishek turned left and fired a fierce reverse strike through goalkeeper Derk Meijer’s legs.
The Netherlands had more of the ball, but India was far more effective defensively. The Dutch managed only two shots on goal in the third quarter, neither of which forced goalkeeper Suraj Karkera into a save.
India then opened up a two-goal advantage early in the fourth quarter. A PC injection did not reach its intended target, but Rajinder Singh reacted quickly, improvising with a powerful dragflick into the bottom corner.
The Netherlands refused to go quietly. Koen Bijen got a slight deflection on another van der Heijden flick to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finish.
India, however, held firm. The Netherlands’ attempt to find an equaliser was made even harder when Joppe Wolbert received a late yellow card, leaving the host a player short.
India closed out a 3-2 victory, one built less on possession than on defensive discipline.
That result will provide useful context when the two sides meet again at the World Cup.
Published on Aug 22, 2026
