Indian men's hockey team loses 2-4 against Netherlands

New Delhi, April 18 (IANS): Indian men’s hockey team went down 2-4 to the Dutch side in their fourth build-up game of the Europe Tour at Naarden in the Netherlands.

The Dutch were in attacking mode right from the start on Thursday night and took the lead in the ninth minute as Mirco Pruyser successfully sliced in a goal.

Glenn Schuurman and Tristan Algera added two more in the 15th and the 28th minutes respectively as the Netherlands led 3-0 till half time.

It was only in the second half that India opened their account and tried to challenge the Dutch. S.K. Uthappa and skipper Sardar Singh sneaked in a goal each in the 37th and 40th minutes respectively to reduce the margin to 3-2.

It was Netherlands’ Billy Baker who stroked in the final goal in the 60th minute and wrapped up the game with a 4-2 scoreline.