Bhubaneswar: Defending champions the Netherlands delivered another solid performance in FIH Hockey Pro League on Friday.
The Dutch were all class as they romped to a 6-2 victory over Australia while later in the day, India gave their home fans plenty to cheer about with a hard-fought 3-1 win over the United States.
The Americans looked to attack through the first half, but they turned over possession through impatience and inaccuracy to give the Indians plenty of advantage.
Vandana Katariya put India ahead off a failed USA clearance in the ninth minute, volleying the ball in after it popped above her head from a goalmouth scramble.
Deepika extended India’s lead with a glorious team goal, collecting a pass in the circle at full stretch after a good build-up and then recovering well to fire home off her reverse stick.
