India beaten 0-2 by Netherlands in Amstelveen at Women's Hockey World Cup
India lost 0-2 to the Netherlands in Amstelveen at the Women's Hockey World Cup on August 21, 2026. Both goals were scored from penalty corners by Yibbi Jansen and Frederique Matla.
India produced another spirited defensive display but could not contain the reigning Olympic champions, the Netherlands. The defeat leaves India on one point in the group while the Netherlands have all but confirmed their place in the semi-finals. Sjoerd Marijne's side will face Australia in their final phase two match on Sunday, August 23; the game has been described as a must-win for India. The result increases the pressure on India to secure victory to remain in contention.
The Netherlands were on the offensive from the outset and earned a penalty corner in the second minute, which Yibbi Jansen converted to give them an early lead. India then lost the ball in midfield and conceded a second penalty corner in the fifth minute; Jansen's attempt was saved by Bichu Devi. Freeke Moes also produced a shot on goal as the Dutch continued to press, and by that point the Netherlands had made five circle entries while India had none.
India managed their first circle entry in the ninth minute but the shot went well over the target. The Dutch pressure continued, with another Jansen penalty corner striking the post shortly afterwards. The second quarter saw India gain more possession and earn two penalty corners, but Deepika was stopped twice by a Dutch defence that had conceded just two goals during the group stages.
Savita was brought on for the second quarter and made a body save from Felice Albers in the 25th minute. She later produced another save to deny Pien Dicke and keep the deficit at a single goal. Two minutes after the restart the Netherlands won another penalty corner, which was defended by the first rusher, and India countered quickly; a move ended with Sunelita Toppo's shot being blocked.
The Indian resistance was finally broken in the 38th minute when Frederique Matla converted a penalty corner to make it 2-0. India continued to seek a way back but were tentative in their passing and invited Dutch pressure, with Pien Dicke hitting the post and the Netherlands troubling Savita with several chances. Navneet had an opportunity to reduce the deficit but her shot was saved by Anne Veenendaal.
The World Champions were able to continue their brilliant run in the group. India must beat Australia on Sunday, August 23 to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
