India vs Netherlands Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Match: (Hockey India Photo)
India conceded early in the match but did well to keep the Netherlands at bay for the rest of the half, even managing to get some chances to go forward and trouble the Dutch defence in the second quarter. However, at the end of it all, India could at best make the Dutch work for their goal and eventually, the hosts and World No.1 eased to a 2-0 victory in the first match of the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup second round for both sides.
The defeat has left India’s hopes of reaching the semifinals hanging by a thread. Yibbi Jansen gave the Netherlands the lead in the second minute, converting their first penalty corner after the ball struck Sushila Chanu’s foot inside the circle. Later, with Jansen off the field Frederique Matla made no mistake with the drag flick off a penalty corner to double Netherlands’ lead.
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SCROLL DOWN FOR HIGHLIGHTS OF INDIA VS NETHERLANDS, WOMEN’S HOCKEY WORLD CUP 2026:
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Indian women hold firm as goalless draw with England secures spot in next round
Bichu Devi Kharibam had already done it once in Hyderabad. Back in March, with India’s World Cup place on the line against Italy, the goalkeeper produced a crucial save in the 59th minute. Five months later, she did it again — this time with India’s World Cup progression hopes on the line.
With just 41 seconds left, England couldn’t have asked for a better player to be on the ball inside India’s ‘D’. Tessa Howard, the striker who has scored nearly 50 goals combined for England and Britain, got the ball on the reverse and unleashed a tomahawk. It was headed towards the bottom corner – until a diving Bichu pushed the ball away with her outstretched left hand. READ MORE
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