![\"Manpreet](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131731569,imgsize-25478,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/131731569.jpg\" "\\"India")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nOn the day Manpreet Singh<\/a> equalled Dilip Tirkey\u2019s long-standing record of 412 international appearances \u2014 the most by an Indian \u2014 the Indian men\u2019s hockey team failed to rise to the occasion and began their European leg of the FIH Pro League with a defeat.Despite a much-improved showing compared to their performances in the first eight matches earlier this year, Craig Fulton\u2019s men went down 2-3 to the Netherlands in Rotterdam on Sunday.For India, Dilpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh scored, while Miles Bukkens, Koen Bijen and Tijmen Reyenga found the net for the Dutch. However, the margin could have been bigger had it not been for Suraj Karkera, who was outstanding in goal during the first half, ensuring the Netherlands failed to convert any of their first 10 penalty corners.His performance even drew praise from former India goalkeeper and two-time Olympic bronze medallist PR Sreejesh on X. That said, reducing the number of penalty corners conceded will be an area India need to address ahead of their next game. \u201cWe definitely need to improve on the ball. We\u2019ve given away far too many penalty corners, but at the same time, we\u2019ve done a good job defending them,\u201d Fulton said at half-time.\u201cOn the counter, as I said, I wanted to see us try and fire \u2014 and there were some good moments, including a couple of one-on-ones. We just need to be better on the ball in our own half and do a better job there.\u201dEarlier, the Netherlands took the lead as early as the third minute through Bukkens, but India levelled in the 10th minute when Dilpreet\u2019s shot was deflected into the net by a Dutch defender. Bijen restored the lead for the hosts eight minutes into the second quarter.India drew level again three minutes into the second half after Hardik Singh won their first penalty corner. Harmanpreet Singh<\/a> opted for a variation, passing to Hardik, who set up Sukhjeet for a simple finish. The Dutch, however, were not content with a draw and eventually converted a penalty corner in the 40th minute after failing to score from their first 10 attempts. India went all out in the closing minutes and even pulled their goalkeeper, but the Dutch held firm, preventing India from converting their late penalty corners and securing the win.Captain Harmanpreet, despite creating chances and being involved in both India’s goals, was not overly disappointed with the defeat.\u201cThe result wasn\u2019t good, but it was our first match after a long time, and it\u2019s always exciting to play against a strong team,\u201d he said after the match.India will now have a two-day break before taking on Germany in back-to-back matches on Wednesday and Thursday.<\/div>\n