India raised their game in the second match but suffered a 4-5 defeat against former champions the Netherlands in their second match of the Champions Trophy hockey tournament at the National Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.
The young Indian team had a creditable outing against the Dutch, the Athens Olympic finalists, after their 0-4 loss against Spain on Saturday as they managed to reduce their victory margin despite trailing 2-4 at the half time.
India scored the first goal of the match in the 4th minute through Sandeep Michael but Holland's Geert Jan Dourx leveled it in the 11th minute via a penalty corner. Substitute V S Vinay gave India a 2-1 lead in the 17th minute but the rival penalty corner specialist Taeke Taekema restored parity in the 28th minute.
The Dutch converted four penalty corners from as many as six they earned in the first half. Teun de Nooijer and Karel Klaver also scored via drag flicks while the Indian goal keeper Adrian d'Souza appeared puzzled.
The Indians put up an improved show in the second session conceding only one goal to Holland, who are eyeing at their third consecutive Champions Trophy title. Vikram Pillay converted a penalty corner in the second half.
{{/usCountry}}The Indians put up an improved show in the second session conceding only one goal to Holland, who are eyeing at their third consecutive Champions Trophy title. Vikram Pillay converted a penalty corner in the second half.
{{/usCountry}}Though forward Adam Sinclair and 'keeper D'Souza impressed in the second half their were a couple of opportunities wasted at crucial junctures when they could have helped to draw the match.
Indian will play their next match against Germany on Tuesday.