KUALA LUMPUR: The Netherlands have lost the services of forward Duco Telgenkamp, and it is good news for their opponents, India, ahead of tomorrow's Junior World Cup (JWC) quarter-final match at the National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil.
The 21-year-old Telgenkamp, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, was the top scorer in the European Championship in Germany in August with six goals.
Coach Jesse Mahieu said: "We will definitely miss Telgenkamp, who is not expected to play in the knockout stage.
"However, we have other reliable players to fill in his shoes."
Mathieu expects a tough encounter against 2016 champions India.
"India play a different brand of hockey. They are offensive and skilful, so our defence needs to be on high alert," said Mahieu.
Despite reaching the quarter-finals, India were not impressive in Group C.
India struggled against South Korea before winning 4-2 in their opening game before being outplayed 4-1 by Spain.
They finished second in the group after hammering Canada 10-0 in their final fixture.
India coach C. R. Kumar said: "The Netherlands are a powerful team, and many of their players represent top clubs in Europe and are as good as their senior counterparts.
"As for my players, they are not as experienced as them. However, we will manage it, and do our best.
"I think the resounding win over Canada has given my players the confidence, and I expect them to continue this form," said Kumar.
India and the Netherlands have met 10 times in the JWC since the 1979 edition in Versailles, France, with each team winning five times.