Defending World Cup champions India Juniors suffered their second consecutive defeat in the 8-nation Invitational Tournament in Madrid by losing to the Netherlands 2-3. Yesterday India had lost to Australia 0-4.
The star of the Netherlands win was Jim van de Venne who scored first two of the three goals. The Netherlands took the lead in the fifth minute when Jim scored a beautiful goal. Though India tried to retaliate with some good moves but could not get past solid Dutch defence. Before the teams went for lemon break, the Netherlands consolidated its lead, again through Jim. This time he had a beautiful flick into the goal from a penalty corner in the 26th minute.
In between, Vishnukant Singh had reduced margin for India with a goal in the 23rd minute.
After changing ends, the Netherlands added to its lead with a an opportunist goal by Derck de Vilder in the 32nd minute. India drew its consolation with its second goal through Sudeep Chirmako in the 37th minute.
With two defeats India is at the bottom of the table in its pool.
