New Delhi: Hosts India put up a gallant fight before going down 2-3 against the formidable Netherlands in a match of the Junior Hockey World Cup, here on Friday.
The Indians conceded three field goals in the opening half as the Netherlands scored twice through Milan van Baal (third minute, 28th) and once through Mark Rijkers (25th) to make life difficult for the hosts.
For India, Gurjinder Singh (13th) converted a penalty corner while Akashdeep Singh (42nd) scored from a field effort.
The Indians started on a bright note but as time progressed they fizzled out, allowing the Dutchmen to take control.
In other matches, European winners Belgium created the first upset of the tournament, stunning defending champions Germany 3-1 in their opening Pool A match
In the opening Pool B match, last edition’s bronze medallists Australia spanked Pan-American champions Argentina 5-2.
Meanwhile in the opening match of the day, which turned out to be a high-scoring affair, Korea thrashed Canada 7-4.
For Korea, Inwoo Seo (second, 16th, 37th) and Seungju You (seventh, 31st, 42nd) slammed a hat-trick each, while the other came from the sticks of Minyoung You (49th). For Canada, who produced a lacklustre performance in the opening half, Vikramjeet Sandhu (22nd), Gordon Johnston (52nd), Jannu Mahal (58th) and Oliver Scholfield (59th) were the goal-getters.
Belgium took the lead in the 30th minute through a field goal from Maxime Capelle and Arthur van Doren doubled the lead in the 45th minute through another field strike.
Christopher Ruhr converted a penalty corner before the hooter but Alexandre von Linthoudt sealed the match in Belgium’s favour with another field goal in the final minute of the game.
Australia scored their goals through Justin Douglas (seventh), Frank Main (16th), captain Daniel Beale (23rd) and Casey Hammond (49th), while the other came from a penalty corner conversion by Jeremy Hayward (49th). For Argentina, Joaquin Leonel Coelho (31st) scored through a field effort while captain Gonzalo Peillat converted a penalty corner in the 62nd minute. (PTI)
