Hockey: India's eves thrashed in WC opener

Indian eves suffered their heaviest defeat in the history of women's hockey World Cup when they were mauled 1-7 by defending champions The Netherlands in their opening match in Rosario, Argentina.

Penalty corner specialist Maartje Paumen (41st, 49th, 60th minute) scored a hat-trick while Marilyn Agliotti (8th), Ellen Hoog (24th minute), Kim Lammers (28th and 45th) were the other goal-scorers for the Netherlands late on Monday night.

Rani Rampal scored India's lone goal in the 22nd minute from a powerful strike.

Incidentally, the 7-1 win is Netherlands biggest World Cup victory since beating Ireland 6-0 in 2002.

India will face mighty Australia in their next Pool match on Wednesday while the Dutch girls will be up against New Zealand.

India were on the receiving end from the start with Dutch midfielder Naomi van AS playing superbly.

The Dutch made continuous raids in the Indian citadel and their efforts bore fruit in the eighth minute when Agliotti volleyed home from the close range.

However, the Olympic champions were taken by surprise in the 22nd minute when promising Rani Rampal drew parity for India with a powerful strike from inside the circle.

But India's joy was shortlived as Hoog restored the Dutch lead two minutes later from open play and then ever dangerous Lammers made it 3-1 just before the half time.

The script of the match was no different after the change of ends as the Netherlands fired four more goals against the hapless Indians to open their title defence campaign in style.

Paumen scored the first of her three goals six minutes after the breather with a powerful drag-flick to which Indian goalkeeper Dipika Murthy had no answer.

Lammers increased the lead when she drilled home from top of the circle in the 45th minute, set up by Naomi.

Four minutes later Paumen scored her second from a penalty spot and then completed the routing in the 60th minute with another ferocious drag-flick from a short corner.

India earned two penalty corners in the final minute of the match but squandered both.

Meanwhile, in other Pool A matches of the day, Germany defeated New Zealand 2-0 while Australia got the better of Japan 2-1.