Hockey, Men's Four Nations: Harmanpreet Singh scores as India hold Netherlands to a draw

The Indian men’s hockey team came up with a valiant performance against the reigning FIH Pro League champions Netherlands to record a 1-1 draw in an intensely-fought match at the ongoing 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation – International Tournament on Wednesday.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored India’s lone goal in the 12th minute, while Jasper Brinkman equalised the score for the Netherlands in the 40th minute.

Getting off the blocks in an attacking mode, India built on early momentum. They created chances in the circle and eventually secured an early lead when the team earned a penalty corner.

Although it was the Dutch side that earned the first PC of the match, that flick was dragged wide to the left of the post.

India, however, made no such error when they were awarded a PC in the 12th minute. Harmanpreet Singh was on song when he picked up a fine injection by his deputy Hardik Singh and ruthlessly struck it past the Dutch goalie.

The 1-0 lead in the first quarter put India in command.

In the second quarter, both teams traded PCs but neither could find success with Krishan Pathak, who stepped in for PR Sreejesh, managing some brilliant saves. India too kept the Dutch goalie Mauritis Visser...

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