Sports Bulletin Report
Lausanne, Switzerland: Both the Netherlands and India men's teams showed master-classes in their particular styles of hockey in the first of a series of FIH Hockey Pro League matches taking place in Potchefstroom, South Africa. India tormented France with their free running and swift changes in the direction of attack, while the Dutch were the epitome of elegant, clinical and relentless hockey as they contained and then overwhelmed the ambitions of South Africa.
The national men’s team of India men hit the ground running in their first match of Season Three in the FIH Hockey Pro League. A cagey first quarter was followed by 45 minutes of creative, controlled and entertaining hockey that left France with few opportunities to open their own scoring account in their first FIH Pro League outing.
Head Coach Frederic Soyez explained ahead of the match that his team had only had limited time to prepare for their entry into the competition but his players were very aware that this is an invaluable learning opportunity ahead of a World Cup and a home Olympic Games (Paris 2024)
Certainly, the India side put on a masterclass in attacking hockey during this encounter. The damage was done in the second quarter. Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a beautifully taken penalty corner that evaded the outstretched foot of Arthur Thieffry in the France goal.
Speaking after the game, India captain Manpreet Singh said: ‘We are really happy because France are a good team and we knew we couldn’t give them any opportunities. In the first quarter we were a bit sloppy but after that we played a good game and scored goals. With that, we grew in confidence.’
Player of the Match Thijs van Dam (NED) said: 'Today we played a really great match. We have been here 10 days already and we have trained hard and finally we can play some matches.'
Results put Netherlands on the top of the table, one point ahead of Belgium. India, with one win from one match sit in fourth place.
FIH Hockey Pro League
Result:
Men’s FIH Hockey Pro League
France 0-5 India
Player of the Match: Akashdeep Singh (IND))
Umpires: Annelize Rostron (RSA), Wanri Venter (RSA) Sean Rapaport (RSA - video umpire)
South Africa 1-11 Netherlands
Player of the Match: Thijs van Dam (NED)
Umpires: Sean Rapaport (RSA), Ayden Shrives (RSA) Annalize Rostron (RSA - video umpire)
