London Olympics: India fight-back valiantly but go down to Holland 2-3; Nobbs says his wards did not play their natural game

Back in the Olympics after a hiatus of eight years, past masters of the game India produced a valiant fightback in the second-half before losing 2-3 to world number three The Netherlands in their opening Group B match of the men's hockey competition here on Monday, says a report in The DNA.

“Playing tentatively and lacking any cohesion in their attacks, world ranked 10th India conceded two goals in the first session, but capitalised on two slim chances in the second half to draw 2-2 parity. But India's joy was short-lived as The Netherlands restored their lead minutes later by converting a penalty corner,” says the report, adding that the Indian players' nerves were on display in their opening match, where all but two of their players were making the maiden appearance in Olympic Games.

Meanwhile The Hindu reports that the Dutch sneaked ahead as an unmarked Robert van der Horst slammed home in the 20th minute. With India’s pair of forwards being countered by five rival defenders, the team tried to make capital of counterattacks. But, the Dutch pressed the throttle and made it 2-0 in the 29th minute. Roderick Weusthof dragged in the short corner that trickled in off Manpreet Singh’s stick.

A fast-paced first session was overshadowed by a more gripping second half. India turned up as a different unit, blending defensive efficiency with hectic forays.  Much to the delight of the large number of Indian fans who had turned up, the side pulled one back in the 45th minute. Dharmavir sent the ball into an open goal after it deflected off the post. Three minutes later, India restored parity through a piece of brilliant manoeuvring from G.S. Chandi. Dodging the rival defenders, he passed the ball to Shivendra. The latter had no trouble slotting it home.

Just when India’s spirits sky-rocketed, the Dutch came up with a stunning riposte in the 51st minute: Mink van der Weerden converting a penalty corner with a ferocious drag flick.

Meanwhile India's chief coach Michael Nobbs said that his wards did not play their natural game, especially in the first half against the might Netherlands in their opening Group B match of the men's hockey competition in the Olympics. "We did not play our natural game in the first half. They boys perhaps got overawed by the Dutch team instead of playing their game," Nobbs said at the post-match press conference.  "When we played our game in the second half, we had our chances," added the Australian.