By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Defending champions the Netherlands opened their 2025–26 FIH Hockey Pro League campaign with a commanding 5–2 win over debutants Pakistan at Santiago del Estero Hockey Club, Argentina.
Pakistan drew first blood early when forward Hannan Shahid broke through Dutch defenders and fired a powerful shot past goalkeeper Mauritz Visser, giving the Green Shirts an early lead. The Netherlands responded quickly: a sharp challenge by captain Thierry Brinkman set up a surging attack that allowed Koen Bijen to equalise just before the end of the first quarter. Moments before halftime, Timo Boers converted a penalty corner to put the Dutch 2–1 ahead.
Pakistan fought back early in the second quarter with drag-flicker Sufyan Khan converting a penalty corner to restore parity at 2–2 heading into the break.
The third quarter proved decisive as the Netherlands tightened their structure and exploited Pakistan’s defensive lapses. Tijmen Reyenga put the Dutch back in front with a penalty corner strike, followed by Boers scoring his second goal from another set-piece. Duco Telgenkamp then tapped in from close range to make it 5–2, completing a dominant spell that sealed the result.
Reyenga’s all-round performance earned him Player of the Match honours.
The defeat marks a disappointing start to Pakistan’s Pro League campaign. However, there were encouraging signs: an early goal, the fightback under pressure, and the penalty-corner conversion from Khan show attacking intent and individual quality. The third quarter exposed defensive frailties which the Dutch capitalised on. Pakistan will need to improve their consistency ahead of matches against Argentina and a rematch with the Netherlands.
The Netherlands appear well-settled, with sharp set-piece execution and composure under pressure. For Pakistan, the road ahead will test their resilience and ability to learn quickly. Their Pro League debut may not have produced a win, but it offered lessons and glimpses of promise.
More fixtures: Pakistan v Argentina (Dec 12); Pakistan v Netherlands (Dec 13); Pakistan v Argentina (Dec 15)
