Manpreet Singh scored twice as the Indian hockey team came back from a goal down to stun World Number four Netherlands 4-3 in a thrilling encounter at the Robo Super Series in Waalwijk, Netherlands.
Manpreet (30th minute, 44th) was the star for sixth-ranked India, while Varun Kumar (17th) and Harjeet Singh (49th) also sounded the board.
Bob de Voogd scored two goals for Netherlands, who had a great build-up to the series with a 7-1 win over Germany last week.
Though India made a strong start with forward Ramandeep Singh finding an early chance to score, his attempt went slightly wide. Soon after, Netherlands drew first blood when they won a PC in the fifth minute.
The drag flick, however, found the foot of skipper Manpreet Singh resulting in a re-award which subsequently went into a penalty stroke. Mink van der Weerden broke no sweat in putting the ball past India goalkeeper Akash Chikte to give the Dutch a 1-0 lead.
India got over the early jitters with a strong display, largely controlling the midfield led by Manpreet who showcased top quality skill and stick work. The attacking approach helped with India finding a PC opportunity in the 17th minute
Junior World Cup hero Varun Kumar then successfully beat Dutch goalkeeper to equalize the score. Though the Netherlands earned a PC soon after, the effort was tactfully saved by India goalkeeper.
India pushed the Netherlands further when Manpreet brilliantly deflected Armaan Qureshi's cross pass in the 30th minute to give India a 2-1 lead.
India controlled the first half with better ball possession and opportunities created in the striking circle.
The contest intensified in the third quarter with Manpreet taking a brilliant shot on goal but the Dutch keeper came up with a class act to pad it away.
The following minutes saw the Dutch being awarded back to back PC but comeback man Amit Rohidas was effective as first runner to deny Dutch successful conversion.
India then set up a thrilling counter attack to put Netherlands under pressure but the Dutch goalkeeper made a good save again.
The third quarter, however, ended with India skipper Manpreet scoring another goal in the 44th minute to give India a 3-1 lead and take charge of the game.
A good buildup in the midfield followed by a quick-thinking effort by forward Lalit Upadhyay earned the PC.
Though Dutch earned a PC with little less than two minutes left for the quarter to end, it was saved by Chikte.
India stayed on course to a win with Harjeet taking the lead to a formidable 4-2 with a well-struck field goal in the 49th minute.
In the final minutes, Nilakanta Sharma made a strong attempt but it was saved by Dutch defender. Though Bob de Voogd scored two goals for the Dutch, India sealed the match 4-3 and walked away with winning point.
India, who lost both their matches against fifth-ranked Belgium to start the European tour on a dismal note, will play Netherlands again on Monday.
(With inputs from PTI)
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