The Indian women's hockey team suffered a 2-0 loss against the Netherlands in their second round group match at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Friday.
After a gruelling match against England on Friday, which ended in a 0-0 draw and ensured India's qualification to the second round, they came up against the high--flying Dutch who are the defending champions and favourites to win it again this time.
The match started on an expected note with the Netherlands winning a penalty corner in the second minute and Yibbi Jansen unleased a powerful dragflick to give the home team the lead. Jansen has been in superb form in this tournament, and this was her eighth goal in four games.
The Dutch pushed India back with multiple attacks but credit to Salima Tete and company for defending resolutely. There were a couple of decent chances for India with Salima going close after finding some space in the circle but her shot let her down.
India's defence stood strong until a penalty corner chance in the 38th minute. This time it was Frederique Matla who scored from the dragflick with the ball hitting the post defender and going in.
Netherlands pushed hard in the final quarter, but Savita pulled off a few fine saves to deny them. It ended 2-0 and the Dutch took all three points from the game.
The win has ensured the Dutch qualify for the semifinals as they earned six points in this second round. Three from this match and three from the previous round against Australia. Their next match is against China who had earlier drawn their second round group game against Australia 1-1.
Meanwhile, India have to beat Australia on Sunday to have any chance of making it to the semifinals.
Catch all the updates from the match on our blog below.