Thursday, September 28 2006 12:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Madrid: Indian eves pay the penalty for their lethargic start as six-time champions Holland sneaked home 3-2 in the opening match of the women's field hockey World Cup here Wednesday (27 Sep, 2006).

Holland catches their rivals napping, pumping in two goals in the first half and then another early in the second half before the Indians wake up.

Surinder Kaur scores a brace to narrow the margin as India turns the heat on the last edition's runner up at Perth, but the horse has bolted by then.

In fact, India could have snatched a point from the Orange team if only Deepika has made a clean hit after a collecting long pass on top of the circle in the 54th minute.

The referee allows the goal but the television umpire over-ruled it after replays show it comes of the player's shoes.

The Indians are clearly outplayed in the first period and the initial phase of the second by the Dutch who catches them off guard with their pace and efficient stick work.

Maartje Paumen opens up the scoring for the Netherlands as early as in the third minute when she scores from a penalty corner.

Holland dominates ball possession and the action is very much restricted to the Indian half.

Sylvia Karres rides on the momentum to find the net in the 31st minute and double the lead.

The lead is tripled soon resumption before the Indians pull their socks up.