India which hardly plays against top European sides, tasted what it looks like, on Monday.

In the last World Cup at Madrid too both met in their opening match, the result was 3-2 in favour of the Dutch.

The only goal on Monday was scored by Rani Ramphal.

India will now meet Australia on Wednesday.

This time the players have chosen whom should be their coaches -- importantly who should not be -- and then this is the result that has come up.

There is a strong view among the watchers of women hockey that a section of the team, who were always known for indiscipline, have almost become thugs, even dictating the playing eleven for the matches themselves, leaving everyone who were supposed to carry out these jobs, in bewilderment.

We sincerely hope the asserting players understand the game better and improve their on-field performance. After all, this is only the first match.