Champions Trophy Day 2: India top table

Asian continental champions India ended the second day of action at the Men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 sitting at the top of the table thanks to a fine win against Olympic champions Argentina at the event currently taking place in Breda. Australia finished the day in second place courtesy of a victory against Pakistan, while home favourites the Netherlands were in scintillating form by overpowering Belgium.

India were triumphant in the opening match of the day, claiming a 2-1 victory against Olympic champions Argentina on the occasion of Sardar Singh’s 300th international appearance. It was India’s second successive win of the competition, following their 4-0 victory over Pakistan on Saturday. All of the goals came in the second quarter of the match, with Harmanpreet Singh opening the scoring with a powerful low penalty corner effort before Mandeep Singh doubled the advantage with a close range finish after excellent se-up play from teenager Dilpreet Singh. A ferocious penalty corner drag-flick from Gonzalo Peillat dragged Los Leones back into the contest ahead of the break but, despite excellent chances for both sides after half time, the score-line remained unchanged.

A huge home crowd were given a superb show in the day’s second match, with the Netherlands producing a spellbinding performance to defeat neighbours Belgium 6-1. The Red Lions hit the post in the opening minute before the Dutch ran riot, scoring three times between the fourth and sixth minutes through Seve van As and Roel Bovendeert (2). Strikes from Jeroen Hertzberger and Mirco Pruijser took the score to 5-0 at half time, with Belgium reducing the deficit thanks to John-John Dohmen. Herzberger, playing his first major international competition since Rio 2016, claimed his second and the Netherlands’ sixth goal from the penalty spot to complete a stunning scoreline for the hosts.

Australia added to their opening day draw against Belgium with a narrow 2-1 win over Pakistan in the final match of the day. An open play strike from Ajaz Ahmad put the Green Shirts in front early in the second quarter, but parity was restored when Jake Whetton fired home five minutes before half time. The winning goal arrived four minutes from the end, with Blake Govers touching home from close range to put the the Kookaburras second in the table after two rounds of matches.

Monday 25 June is a competition rest day, with the Men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 action resuming on Tuesday 26th June with two potentially thrilling encounters in Breda. At 18:00 Central European Standard Time (UTC+1), Olympic champions Argentina face Belgium in a rematch of the Rio 2016 gold medal game before hosts the Netherlands take on Pakistan at 20:00. Spectator tickets for the event are still available. For more information, please click here.

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