Men’s National Indoor Team Loses To The Netherlands In First Match
February 8, 2011
This afternoon the Canadian Men’s Indoor Team opened up their 2011 FIH Indoor World Cup in Poznan, Poland with a match against the Netherlands.
Canada conceded a penalty-corner in the second minute of play, but veteran goal-keeper Shankar PREMAKANTHAN was off his line very fast to prevent a shot. The young Canadians needed a few minutes to settle their nerves, then started to play with poise, keeping the Dutch at bay with a strict defence and dangerous incursions by Devohn TEIXEIRA. The Dutch were operating as a cohesive unit, cutting well the options for the Canadian forwards.
Canada became more dangerous towards the end of the period with some swift combinations but it is The Netherlands who opened the scoring in the 18th minute when their captain Robert TIGGES took advantage of a confuse situation in the circle. The Netherlands scored early in the second period, forcing the Canadians to run after the score. Shankar PREMAKANTHAN kept them in the game with another save on penalty-corner and Jonathan ROBERTS closed the gap on a low penalty-corner, but The Netherlands immediately increased their lead again.
The match was intense to the end, Mirco PRUYSER adding a goal in the final minute, after been denied by the post shortly before, for a final 5-1 win for The Netherlands. The Men’s Team has a night off until tomorrow at 2:00pm EST when they take on the host nation, Poland, in what should be another tough match for the Canadians.
To view all match results or to watch the game against Poland on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at 2:00pm EST, please click on the link below.
By: Yan Huckendubler
