India failed to cross the final hurdle as they lost to the Netherlands 2-7 in the title clash of the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup in Muscat.
Jyoti Chhatri (20’) and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (23’) got on the scoresheet for India.
Janneke van de Venne (2’, 14’), Bente van der Veldt (4’, 8’), Lana Kalse (11’, 27’), and Sosha Benninga (13’) scored for the Netherlands.
However for finishing runners up Hockey India announced a cash award of Rs 3 Lakhs to each player and Rs 1.5 Lakhs to each of the support staff.
The Dutch women controlled the game throughout and virtually outplayed the Indians.
They outpaced Indians with the speed and outwitted them with tactics and in strategy and it wasn’t long before the Netherlands found an opening.
Janneke van de Venne took a long-range shot which deflected off the Indian Goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu and into goal as the Netherlands scored the first goal of the game.
Moments later, Bente van der Veldt found herself open in front of the goal and smashed the ball into the net to double Netherlands’ lead.
A period of Netherlands dominance followed. Bente van der Veldt remained alert in front of goal as her quick overhead shot sailed past the Indian defence and into the goal.
With 4 minutes to go in the first half, Lana Kalse pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a powerful shot to make it 4-0 in her team’’ favour.
Soon after, Sosha Benninga used a deft touch to bypass Rajani in goal and further extended their lead.
The Netherlands continued to pressure the Indian defence, Janneke van de Venne capitalised on an opening and scored to end the first half 6-0 in the Netherlands’ favour.
Netherlands’ dominance ensued in the second half, resulting in a challenge which was saved by Rajani.
India opened their account 5 minutes into the second half as Jyoti Chhatri found herself in space and rifled in a shot from distance to beat goalkeeper Kiki Gunneman (1-6)
As the match progressed, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal received the ball under pressure, breached Netherlands’ goal to make it 2-6.
As India started to pile on the pressure, a quick counterattack goal from Netherlands’ Lana Kalse restored their 5-goal cushion in the game. India continued to test Netherlands’ goalkeeper Kiki Gunneman but they were unable to beat her. In the final minute of the game, Netherlands were awarded a penalty stroke, however, Rajani battered the shot away.