It was another disappointing result against a top-ranked side for the Indian men’s team as it went down 3-1 to co-host Netherlands in the second round of the World Cup here on Saturday. Head coach Craig Fulton felt the lack of field goals hurt his side, despite a spirited display.
According to Fulton, this was the “best we’ve played stats-wise” against Netherlands in a major tournament, which indicated an improved trajectory for this side.
“We played a good game with a good game plan. I thought we needed to score a goal in the first half. We created one or two really good chances but it wasn’t to be. When we came out in the third quarter [we were] okay. It was still fine.
“We just couldn’t connect enough in the D to try and get a field goal. I think we won probably four [six] PCs and scored one. But [in] field chances, we needed the field goal. That was what we were pushing for,” Fulton told Sportstar after the match.
Although India conceded two counter-attacking goals, which included an error from midfielder Manpreet Singh for the third goal, the South African refused to point fingers at any players for the goals conceded.
“I think I can’t fault anyone’s effort and approach and attitude to doing what needed to be done today. It was a really, really tough game. I thought we did really well. We just needed to get ahead,” said Fulton.
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Fulton revealed that skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who scored the lone goal from a Penalty Corner, played through a back injury, which had to be managed. Right after Harmanpreet scored, he went off the field to receive treatment, during which time, Netherlands re-established its two-goal lead.
“We’ll see now afterwards. He had a stiff back. He rested in training but it wasn’t serious. and then he played today and he scored. But at the same time, we have to look after the human first and make sure he’s okay,” said Fulton.
The result left India at the bottom of the Pool E standings, and will need a victory of four goals or more against Argentina and Netherlands beating England on the same day to pull off a monumental turnaround.
On what he told the players after the game, Fulton said, “Everyone’s bitterly disappointed. This was a big opportunity for us. And at the same time, it’s a very good team. But like I said, we played well.
“We created chances. It’s not like we were one-way traffic and we didn’t have a chance in this game. We had more than a chance in this game.”
Published on Aug 23, 2026
