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In a hard-fought match during the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation - International Tournament here, the Indian men's hockey team and the Netherlands, who just won the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022-23 championship, were able to draw 1-1.
India had lost to the hosts Spain in their initial match, but they produced a strong performance on Wednesday.
In the 12th minute, India's in-form captain Harmanpreet Singh scored the only goal, while the Netherlands' Jasper Brinkman leveled in the 40th.
India jumped out of the gate in an offensive posture and gained early momentum. They generated opportunities in the circle, and when their group was awarded a penalty corner, they eventually 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 when 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 opening frame.
Both teams swapped chances in the second quarter, but none was able to capitalize. Krishan Pathak, who replaced PR Sreejesh, made some outstanding saves.
India earned back-to-back PCs but was unable to increase their lead, keeping the Dutch goaltender Mauritius Visser busy.
India was more assured in their pursuit as the Dutch remained in search of that elusive first goal, maintaining their slim lead 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, and the equally excellent Visser continued to amaze by preventing India from scoring a second goal.
