Pro Hockey League: Indian Men's Team Loses To Netherlands In Shoot-Out, Virtually Out Of Title Race

The Indian men's hockey team produced a lion hearted performance before going down 1-4 to leaders the Netherlands in the shoot-out after both the sides were locked 2-2 at regulation time to virtually crash out of the title race of the FIH Pro League on Saturday. India are still placed third with 30 points from 15 games with just one match remaining. The Netherlands are leading the table with 33 points from 13 games with three matches in hand, while Olympic champions Belgium are placed second with 31 points from 14 games with two matches remaining.

Breathtaking hockey was on display between two world-class teams as both India and the Netherlands fought each other in every department of the game in the entire 60 minutes.

While the Indians had the better share of ball possession, at least in the first two quarters, and went for the offensive from the onset, the Dutchmen relied more on counter-attacks to create goal-scoring opportunities.

There was also a battle of supremacy between two best goalkeepers of the world in PR Sreejesh and Pirmin Blaak.

Both Sreejesh and Blaak produced brilliant saves on numerous occasions in the first two quarters to keep their side afloat.

But it was the Netherlands who took the lead in the 10th minute when Derck de Vilder created the opportunity with some brilliant stickwork in the right flank to lay it for Tijmen Reyenga, who dribbled past two Indian defenders before slotting home past Sreejesh.

The Indians pressed the Dutch defence hard from the word go and secured two back-to-back penalty corners in the 10th minute but the home team's defence was alert to thwart the dangers.

Then, Abhishek had two brilliant chances to hand India the lead but on both occasions, Blaak came to Netherlands'