Hockey World Cup 2018, Quarterfinal 4: 3 reasons why India lost to Netherlands

#2 Defence finally cracks under persistent pressure

Thierry Brinkman's timely equaliser enabled the Netherlands to push more men forward

During the early stages of the match, India's defenders showed tremendous resolve to keep the Dutch attackers at bay. The likes of Surender Kumar, Varun Kumar and Harmanpreet Singh performed creditably against the opposition's relentless onslaught. They kept their sticks low, intercepted dangerous passes and held fort valiantly. But it was only a matter of time before the prowling Netherlands breached their tenacity.

Thierry Brinkman's equaliser had a hint of serendipity as his stick somehow connected with a long ball from way outside the circle. However, there was no element of luck in the later stages. The Dutch pushed men forward and kept the Indian defenders on their toes. Not resorting to half-press or full-press, they controlled possession to string together productive passes reaching India's inner circle.