Stephan Veen of the Netherlands does not remember losing to India when he played in the 1990s. That's the authority with which the Netherlands ruled hockey back then, as the legendary striker helped the Oranje to two World Cups (Lahore 1990 and Utrecht 1998) and two Olympic gold medals (Atlanta 1996 & Sydney 2000).

"We had Teun de Nooijer in the left and I was on the right so the danger could come from any side. But more importantly, we had a very good defence and it is this combination of attack and defence that helped us dominate in the 1990s," Veen, 48, tells mid-day while watching the Netherlands v Canada cross-over clash at the Kalinga Stadium here yesterday.