The India-Netherlands FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup match in Amstelveen had plenty of star power off the field as well. Former Australia captain Steve Waugh and India cricket great Rahul Dravid were among the high-profile sporting personalities at the Wagener Stadium on Saturday.Hockey legends Jamie Dwyer and Teun de Nooijer were also present for the Pool E clash.Hockey India shared pictures from the stadium, highlighting the presence of the four sporting greats during India’s second-round match against the hosts.” A star-studded evening at the Wagener Stadium. Cricketing greats Steve Waugh and Rahul Dravid, alongside hockey legends Jamie Dwyer and Teun de Nooijer, are in attendance as the Indian Men’s Team take on the Netherlands in Round 2 of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026,” Hockey India posted on X.The presence of Waugh and Dravid added a cricket connection to an important night for Indian hockey, while Dwyer and de Nooijer brought two of hockey’s biggest names to the venue.
Netherlands end India’s hopes of a win
While the stands had plenty of famous faces, the night ended in disappointment for Harmanpreet Singh and his team.India lost 1-3 to the Netherlands in their opening Pool E match of the second round.The Netherlands secured their place in the semifinals with the victory, while India’s hopes of reaching the last four suffered a major blow.
Dutch score three goals
The hosts took control of the match through goals from Duco Telgenkamp, Tjep Hoedemakers and Thijs van Dam.Telgenkamp opened the scoring before Hoedemakers doubled the Dutch advantage.Harmanpreet then gave India hope by scoring from a penalty corner and reducing the deficit.But the Netherlands quickly restored their two-goal advantage through van Dam and held on for the win.
India struggle to convert chances
India did create opportunities during the match but could not make enough of them count.The Dutch defence stood firm when India pushed forward, particularly in the closing stages when the visitors were searching for another goal.The Netherlands, meanwhile, were more clinical with their chances and maintained their control of the contest.The victory took the Netherlands into the World Cup semifinals.