Rosario (Argentina), Aug 31 (IANS) The Indian women’s hockey team slumped to their biggest World Cup defeat as they were crushed 1-7 by the defending champions Netherlands in their opening Pool A match here.
The Netherlands were in a rampaging form against India Monday with penalty corner specialist Maartje Paumen netting a hat-trick while Kim Lammers chipped in with two goals as the Dutch began their title defence in style.

Also winning their group matches were Germany and Australia as the Pool A kicked into action Monday. Germany beat New Zealand 2-0, courtesy goals from Celine Wilde and Tina Bachmann.

Australia secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Japan in the third and final match of the day played in cold and wet conditions, with Kobie McGurk and Madonna Blyth scoring for the Hockeyroos. Kaori Chiba scored for Japan.

India began their campaign on a disastrous note as the Netherlands recorded their biggest World Cup victory since beating Ireland 6-0 in 2002.

It was India’s biggest defeat in a World Cup match.

Paumen was the star player while midfield maestro Naomi van AS played a sterling role in the Dutch triumph.

The Netherlands opened the scoring in the eighth minute of the match when Marilyn Agliotti volleyed home from close range, but the Olympic champions were soon pegged back thanks to a powerful 24th minute strike from India forward Rani Rampal.

Ellen Hoog restored the Dutch advantage two minutes later from open play before Lammers established a 3-1 half-time lead.

Paumen got her name on the score-sheet six minutes after the break, sending a typically powerful penalty corner flick into the India goal.

Naomi created the Netherlands fifth goal, evading a number of challenges with a surging midfield run before Lammers drilled home from the top of the circle (45th minute).

The scoring was completed by Paumen in the 49th and 60th minute, the first of which came from the penalty spot and the second courtesy another ferocious penalty corner effort.

The Netherlands appear to be in great shape, and will look forward to their next fixture against New Zealand Wednesday. India will play Australia Wednesday.