India let history slip out of its hands with a heartbreaking quarterfinal defeat against the Netherlands in the men's hockey World Cup, a result which left the young players of the team crying on the pitch.
A well-oiled Indian unit had raised the hopes of making the semifinals for the first time since 1975 but the Dutch side broke a million hearts by coming from behind to knock out the hosts 2-1 in the last-eight clash.
Young players such as Dilpreet Singh left the pitch with tears in their eyes.
India took the lead in the 12th minute through Akashdeep Singh before Thierry Brinkman drew parity for Netherlands five seconds before the end of the first quarter.
After a hard-fought third quarter, Netherlands scored the winner in the 50th minute when Mink van der Weerden converted a penalty corner.
The defeat ended India's long cherished dream of lifting the trophy only for the second time after its lone triumph in 1975 at Kuala Lumpur.
The Netherlands will now face Australia in the semi-finals as they win the match 2-1
India defend the penalty corner without a goalkeeper.
The Dutch keeper saves a reverse strike after the ball rebounded from the PC.
India have a chance to equalise as they win a PC.
Harmanpreet's long ball in into the Dutch circle.
Amit Rohidas gets a yellow card.
The Netherlands are in the lead after they convert a PC after missing the previous one.
The Netherlands waste a penalty corner.
Rahul's tweet indicate Kamal Nath to be next CM.
The Netherlands celebrate prematurely as the goal is denied after India refer successfully.
India 1-1 The Netherlands. Another goalless quarter.
The winner of this match will face Australia in the semifinals.
Hardik Singh has to sit out after recieving the green card.
After the Netherlands keep the posession in the first five minutes of Q3, India win the ball to counter attack.
Another penalty corner for the Netherlands as the ball hits Indian defender.
The Dutch win another pealty corner.
Akashdeep strikes it over the goal-post.
The Netherlands win a PC and fail to convert it.
Possession:
India- 50%, The Netherlands- 50%
Circle penetrations:
India- 10, The Netherlands- 7
Shots:
India- 3, The Netherlands- 2
End of first half with the score tied at 1-1. It was a goal-less quarter.
Akashdeep tries the tomahawk cross but fails.
An Indian attack saved by the Dutch keeper at the goal-mouth.
The Dutch are into the attack as they penetrate the Indian circle in the first minute of the quarter.
Possession:
India- 45%, The Netherlands- 55%
Circle Penetrations:
India- 6, The Netherlands- 5
Shots-
India- 2, the Netherlands-2
India 1-1 The Netherlands
The Dutch score with 3 seconds to go in the first quarter.
India are 1-0 up against the Netherlands.
India win a penalty corner after the ball hits the Dutch defender inside the circle.
India have started to attack with Akashdeep trying to enter the Netherlands circle.
The match is underway with the Netherlands keeping the possesion early.
India have never beaten the Netherlands at World Cup.
(Played- 6, India-0, The Netherlands-5, Draw-1)