Hockey World Cup 2018: Know everything about India vs Netherlands
What's the story
Tonight, India and Netherlands hockey men's team will lock horns in a quarter-final match of the 2018 Hockey World Cup, at the Kalinga Stadium. India have played a solid brand of hockey up till now and they will be up for some stiff challenge. Netherlands go into the tie as the favorites though. It's a clash between the number 4 and 5 ranked sides.
Clash
India face an uphill task against fancied Dutch side
India will have a difficult task to beat the Dutch. The Indian men's hockey team never beaten Netherlands in the World Cup. In the last meetings at the quadrennial event, India have lost 5 times to the Dutch, besides managing just a draw. The last time the two sides met in the Champions Trophy and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Contest
One expects a spicy contest between India and Netherlands
Since 2013, the contest between the two sides have been top notch. There is nothing to separate the two sides in terms of results. Both sides have won four matches apiece. One encounter out of these 9 games ended in a draw. The focus for India will be to play without fear and continue in their same attacking vein.
Quote
We have played well against them recently: Manpreet
"The past results matter a lot because the Netherlands have a better result against us. But, we have played well against them recently. We have also beaten them, drew against them at the Champions Trophy," said India captain Manpreet Singh, ahead of the clash.
Key players
Players to watch out for
For India the likes of Mandeep Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Lalit Upadhyay and Akashdeep Singh will hope to continue the solidity in front of goal. The match could be a goal-fest and these forwards could come in strong, For Netherlands, Seve van Ass will be looking to show his versatility. 28-year-old Robbert Kemperman, could aid the side in mid-field,
Information
When and where to watch the match?
The match is set to start at 7 PM and will be telecast live on the Star Sports network and Doordarshan. The battle can be streamed live on Hotstar and also on the official YouTube channel of International Hockey Federation (IHF).