2023 Centenario Tournament: Indian Men Hold The Netherlands to a 1-1 Draw

At the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation – International Tournament, the Dutch men’s hockey team and the Indian men’s hockey team battled to a hard-fought 1-1 tie. The Netherlands just won the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022-23 championship.

India had lost to the hosts Spain in their initial match, but they produced a strong showing on Wednesday.

In the 12th minute, India’s in-form captain Harmanpreet Singh scored the only goal, while the Netherlands’ Jasper Brinkman equalized in the 40th.

India jumped out of the gate in an offensive posture and gained on early momentum.

They generated opportunities in the circle, and when their group was awarded a penalty corner, they ultimately took the lead.

Despite the fact that the Dutch team received the game’s first PC, the flick was pulled wide to the left of the goal.

When India received a PC in the 12th minute, they did not make this mistake. Harmanpreet was in top form as he viciously beat the Dutch goaltender after receiving a beautiful injection from his assistant Hardik Singh. India assumed control after taking a 1-0 lead in the first frame.

Both sides swapped chances in the second quarter, but none was able to capitalize. Krishan Pathak, who replaced PR Sreejesh, made several outstanding saves.

India got back-to-back PCs but was unable to increase their advantage, keeping the Dutch goaltender Mauritis Visser busy.

India were more certain in their chase as the Dutch remained in search of that elusive first goal, maintaining their slim advantage at halftime.

Both teams each won a PC to start the third period. Returning to the post, the seasoned Sreejesh maintained composure in his attempt to prevent the opponents from converting a PC, while the equally excellent Visser continued to amaze by preventing India from scoring a second goal.

Jasper Brinkman, a seasoned dragflicker, finally broke the tie for the Dutch team by brilliantly converting the PC to tie the score.

India executed a superb counterattack in the last seconds of the third quarter under the direction of Harmanpreet. But he was unable to locate the opening needed to enter the circle.

Both sides fought for the advantage as the fourth quarter remained tight. They each had several opportunities, but they were unable to capitalize on them.