Dublin (Ireland): The Indian junior women’s hockey team went down 1-4 to the mighty Netherlands in the final of the U23 5 Nations Hockey Tournament here on Sunday.
India’s lone goal came from Beauty Dungdung (29th min), while Belen Van Der Broek (26th min), Amber Brouwer (31st min), Emma Santbrink (53rd min), and Sanne Hak (55th min) were on the target for the Netherlands.
The Netherlands side placed India under early pressure by earning their first penalty corner just minutes after the game began but were thwarted by the Indian defence
India steadily grabbed control of the game as the first quarter progressed, earning them their first PC of the match. However, they missed out on gaining the lead since it did not materialise. Following that, both sides increased their attacking efforts in pursuit of their first goal but were unsuccessful as the first quarter came to a close.
Unlike the previous quarter, India went on the offensive in the second and was rewarded for it, winning their second PC in 10 minutes.
The Netherlands squad earned a PC minutes later but was unable to convert it. They did not have to wait long for their first goal, as Belen Van Der Broek scored on a PC in the 26th minute. After India won a PC, Beauty Dungdung levelled the score in the 29th minute. A minute later, the Dutch gained another PC, which Amber Brouwer converted, putting them ahead at the half-time break, Hockey India informed in a release.
As the third quarter began, India attempted to boost their assault in search of an equaliser, while the Netherlands looked to double their lead. After a few tough minutes, the Dutch won the dominance battle, earning another PC. However, the Indian team held their nerve and stopped them from scoring. Despite their inability to convert the PC, the Dutch finished the third quarter ahead of India.
Despite being in the lead, the Netherlands team started the game’s last quarter on the offensive, and it paid off as they earned their first PC of the fourth quarter in five minutes. India launched a counterattack in return, and as a result, they were able to win a PC. India, however, was unable to tie the game because the PC did not result in a goal. Emma Santbrink scored the third goal for the Netherlands in the 53rd minute, and Sanne Hak added another two minutes later to take the game away from India.
–IANS
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