India stunned by Netherlands Antilles; goes down 1-2

Kazan, Russia, Apr 20 (UNI) India's hopes suffered a severe setback as they went down 1-2 in their second match to an unfancied Netherlands Atilles in the Women's Olympic Qualifier hockey tournament here today.

In an exciting tussle, Netherlands Antilles led 1-0 at half time.

While Rani Devi (42nd) was the lone scorer for India, Claire Visser (31st) and Maria Hinskins (54th) scored the two important goals for the winners.

In a great tussle, India went close on many occasions and went straight into the attack to creat many chances but a strong Netherlands Antilles' defense did not take any opportunity.

Soon in the 31st minute, Netherlands Antilles earned a plenty corner and Claire Visser made no mistake in converting it to take her team in to the lead at half time.

Rani Devi continued her impressive game in the first half scored the equaliser in the second half as she moved into the circle struck for India.

But India's hopes of going into the lead were soon shattered as a free hit for Anika De Hass saw it being deflected to the goal by Maria Hinskins.

In the next minute, India was awarded with a penalty corner but could not make use of it as it was smartly blocked and the score remained 2-1 in Netherlands Antilles' favour.

The Indians were also guilty of not making use of the opportunities as they failed to convert penalty corners at crucial stages of the game.

From then on, Netherlands Antilles adopted a strong defensive game plan and executed it well to keep India away from scoring the equaliser.

Earlier, in the first match of the day Belgium thrashed France 5-0 to register a convincing win.

UNI XC RAR BDP RAI1959