Paris, Aug 2 (IANS) A double strike by skipper Harmanpreet Singh helped the Indian men’s hockey team prevail over Australia 3-2 for the first time in the Olympics since 1972 here at Yves-du-Manoir Stadium on Friday. The Indian men’s hockey team had last defeated Australia in the Olympics in Munich in 1972 when Mukhbain Singh scored a hat-trick in the 3-1 victory. It was also India’s first win over Australia in the Olympics on an artificial turf.
For India, drag-flicker Harmanpreet converted a short corner and a penalty corner after Abhishek had netted the first goal of the match in the 12th minute. Meanwhile, Thomas Craig and Blake Govers found the back of the net for the Aussies.
The Indian team looked completely different on the field from the start of play on Friday. They were making inroads in the Australian circle and Shamsher Sigh even had a shot on goal in the third minute which was saved by goalkeeper Andrew Charter.
However, Australia also had a couple of shots on the target on PR Sreejesh’s post and the veteran saved them all to avoid an early deficit.
In the 12th minute, Abhishek scored for India with an electric reserve flick to give an early lead before Harmanpreet doubled it in the next minute, converting a penalty corner.
India’s 2-0 healthy lead gave them the upper hand on the pitch with the forwards eager to make it big in the second quarter. However, it was Australia’s Thomas Craig who scored the first goal for them in the 25th minute on a penalty corner to return with the scoreline of 2-1 at half-time.
The third quarter also went India’s way as they extended their lead to two goals with Harmanpreet’s second goal on the penalty corner in the 32nd minute. Australia tried to reduce their deficit but failed to do so against India’s solid defensive wall.
In the final quarter of the match, Australia looked aggressive on the field and were searching desperately for goals, but the Indian defenders and midfielders read them well and minimised the threat. In the 55th minute, Australia earned a penalty corner and Blake Govers converted it to reduce the lead to only one goal. Despite constant attacks from the Australian team, India managed to win the match 3-2 on the final hooter.
With 10 points in five matches, India finished second in the Pool B and will play in the quarterfinal on Sunday, August 4.
–IANS
ab/bsk/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
