Amstelveen, Aug. 22 -- The Harmanpreet Singh-led India suffered a 3-1 defeat against hosts Netherlands in their opening Pool E match of the second round at the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday.

The defeat has left Harmanpreet Singh-led India with a difficult task in their bid to qualify for the semi-finals, while the Netherlands secured their place in the last four with the victory.

The hosts took control of the contest with goals from Duco Telgenkamp, Tjep Hoedemakers and Thijs van Dam, while Harmanpreet Singh scored India's only goal.

The Netherlands made a strong start and opened the scoring through Telgenkamp, putting pressure on the Indian defence. India responded with attacking moves but...