PTI
 
Madrid, Sep 27: Indian eves paid 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.

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

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

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

The referee allowed the goal but the television umpire over-ruled it after replays showed it came of the player's shoes.

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

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

Holland dominated ball possession and the action was very much restricted to the Indian half.

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

The lead was tripled soon resumtion before the Indians pulled their socks up.