Hockey World Cup Live: India face tough Dutch test in second round

Harmanpreet said India must maintain their intensity and discipline until the final whistle.

"Playing well in patches won't work. We have to play good hockey till the whistle is blown. We have to maintain the same body language and attitude, that is the most important thing," Harmanpreet told PTI ahead of the big match.

India have already reviewed their mistakes from the first three matches. The captain stressed that defensive errors will be especially costly against a strong Dutch side.

"We have video-analysed our mistakes in the last three matches, and the focus is on not repeating them. Defense has to be impeccable as we know that we can create opportunities in the opponents' circle and earn PC. But mistakes in the backline are not acceptable. We must not concede goals on silly mistakes," he said.

Under the new World Cup format, the top two teams from Pools D and A form Pool E. The top two teams from Pool E will qualify for the semifinals.

India will not play England again in this round because they have already faced them. However, England carry three points into the second round, making India's remaining matches even more important.

The Netherlands also carry three points into the second round after beating Argentina in the first round.

That leaves India with little margin for error as they begin the second phase.

India captain Harmanpreet Singh knows there is little room for mistakes when his team takes on Olympic champions Netherlands in the FIH World Cup second round.

With England and the Netherlands carrying three points into the second round after beating India and Argentina respectively in the opening phase, India have a tough task ahead.

Harmanpreet has made it clear that India cannot afford to perform well only in patches. They need to stay focused for the entire 60 minutes if they want to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

India's win over Australia in Paris was their first against them in 50 years, but Fulton feels that achievement belongs in the past.

"We beat Australia in Paris for the first time in 50 years. But that is the stat and we have to do it now in the next 24 hours. We have got a great opportunity and come as underdogs, so all the pressure is on them," he said.

Fulton also wants India to press intelligently and make the most of every chance they create.

"We have got to press well, be smart and efficient when we win the ball. When we get our chance, we have got to be composed and make that count," he said.

India will need their experienced players to help them handle the pressure.

Midfielder Manpreet Singh, who has made 420 international appearances, is expected to provide composure in the middle of the park.

Forward Mandeep Singh, with 291 international appearances, will also have an important role to play in attack.

Against the Netherlands, India cannot afford the lapses that hurt them against England. Strong starts will mean little unless they can maintain their intensity and concentration until the final whistle.

India will have to deal with the atmosphere at the Wagener Stadion, which has a capacity of 10,000.

The venue is expected to be packed with Dutch supporters. Large crowds have turned up throughout the tournament, creating a sea of orange in the stands.

The constant chanting and passionate support for the home team could make the occasion an intimidating one for India.

India will have to remain calm and focused amid the noise.

The Netherlands won all three of their first-round matches convincingly.

They opened with a 5-1 win over New Zealand before beating Argentina 3-1 and Japan 4-1.

Against one of the most dangerous attacking sides in world hockey, India cannot afford to lose concentration for even short periods.

The challenge will also extend beyond the players on the pitch.

India's biggest concern has been their inability to maintain control after making strong starts.

They led Pakistan 3-0 and then 4-1 before allowing their arch-rivals to fight back. India eventually won the match 5-3.

Against England, India also had a 2-1 lead at half-time but conceded twice in the third quarter and went on to lose 2-4.

Those lapses will be a major concern against the Netherlands, who have shown little weakness so far.

India face their biggest challenge of the World Cup when they take on co-hosts and reigning Olympic champions Netherlands in the second-round opener.

The match will be a major test of India's semifinal hopes. After a mixed first round, India have little room for mistakes against one of the strongest teams in world hockey.