India 0-2 Netherlands Live Score, Women's Hockey World Cup: Matla’s Drag-Flick Extends Hosts’ Lead

That's the end of the third quarter, and India still trail 0-2. The Indian forward line has struggled to create anything substantial, although one promising counter-attack did offer a real chance to reduce the deficit. However, the opportunity went begging, and India were unable to make the Dutch pay. The Netherlands, meanwhile, remain firmly in control and head into the final quarter with a comfortable two-goal advantage.

Another penalty corner, another goal for the Netherlands! Frederique Matla steps up this time and makes it 2-0. Her drag-flick takes a slight deflection off Ishika Chaudhary's foot before finding the net. The Dutch are making their penalty corners count, while India are now under serious pressure. With the hosts firmly in control, India need a quick response to get themselves back into this contest!

That's the end of the second quarter, and India will breathe a sigh of relief! Savita Punia comes to the rescue just before the break, rushing out to make herself big and producing a brilliant save to deny Dicke. The Netherlands pushed hard for a second goal, but India's skipper stood tall when it mattered most. India head into half-time trailing 0-1, but that late save keeps them firmly in the contest.

India finally put the Netherlands under real pressure and earn a penalty corner, but they cannot make it count! Deepika's drag-flick wins another PC after striking a Dutch player's foot, only for her next attempt to be blocked by Lisa Post. India get another opportunity, but the Dutch defence stands firm once again. A long corner follows, but the chance eventually fizzles out as India lose possession. A big opportunity missed by India to get back on level terms!

That's the end of the opening quarter, and the Netherlands take a 1-0 lead into the break. Yibbi Jansen's penalty-corner strike remains the difference between the two sides after a competitive first 15 minutes. India have shown intent, but the hosts have made their early opportunity count. Plenty still to play for as we head into the second quarter!

And the Netherlands have the breakthrough! A touch off Sushila Chanu's foot gives the hosts their first penalty corner of the match, and they make no mistake. Yibbi Jansen steps up and fires it home to put the Netherlands ahead. A clinical finish from the in-form star, and India now find themselves trailing early in this huge World Cup clash.

The formalities are complete as both teams line up for one final word from their respective camps. The atmosphere is electric, with the home crowd making plenty of noise for the Netherlands. India, though, know they are in for a massive test. The players take their positions, the umpires are ready, and we are just moments away from the first whistle in this crucial World Cup clash!

Anne Veenendaal (gk), Lisa Post, Xan de Waard, Yibbi Jansen, Renee van Laarhoven, Felice Albers, Pien Sanders, Sanne Koolen, Frederique Matla, Joosje Burg, Marijn Veen

Matches: 9
India wins: 1
Netherlands wins: 6
Draws: 2

Fans in India can catch all the live action on Star Sports Khel and Star Sports Select 2, with live streaming available on JioHotstar. The match has a scheduled start time of 9:30 PM IST on August 21, Friday.

Greetings, we are back with another live blog and it is India vs Netherlands, Women's FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. Stay tuned for live updates.