The juggernaut: Harmanpreet’s troops rolled over Germany and Australia to maintain an ideal document.
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Fort Rourkela remained unconquered as India received 4-3 in opposition to Australia in a shootout after the groups have been tied 2-2 in regulation time within the last Professional League match of the mini-series right here on Wednesday.
India has remained unbeaten on the Birsa Munda Worldwide Hockey Stadium in eight video games, beginning with its World Cup marketing campaign earlier this 12 months.
Regardless of lacking two early pictures within the shootout, the host got here again to take the sport to sudden-death, courtesy one other spectacular efficiency by P.R. Sreejesh who effected three saves.
A preventing Australian staff saved up the strain proper by way of, particularly within the second half, however Harmanpreet’s males managed to stroll away with two factors after the win.
A purpose within the second minute, courtesy a rasping reverse hit by Vivek Sagar Prasad from the highest of the circle off a penalty nook rebound within the second minute handed a really perfect begin to India. However the early dominance didn’t translate right into a flurry of objectives as India misses a collection of penalty corners within the subsequent couple of minutes.
With Manpreet Singh sitting out, participant positions have been shifted. Dilpreet Singh moved additional as much as his normal spot and Vivek, that includes in his a centesimal sport, marshalled the central midfield together with Hardik Singh.
India was in management for the primary quarter however Australia progressively created area, took possession and opened channels on both flank by way of passes on the sidelines. Solely a resolute Indian defence, spectacular goalkeeping and the publish saved the Aussies at bay.
After the half-time break, the sideline passes have been blended with lengthy aerials to bypass the opponent and enter the Indian circle extra usually. A type of noticed Pawan tripping Nathan Ephraums on the backline to concede a stroke and a purpose.
Sukhjeet’s good flick, which deflected off Eddie Ockenden’s stick, put India forward for the second time. Australia threw the whole lot upfront and managed to tug stage by way of Tim Howard with eight minutes remaining. Nonetheless, the guests may solely go that far.
India remained on high of the desk with 19 factors in eight video games whereas Australia was sixth (eight from eight). Harmanpreet Singh led the scorers’ checklist (11), whereas Selvam Karthi (5) was the opposite Indian within the top-five.
India’s subsequent sport is in opposition to Belgium in London on Could 26.
The consequence: India 2 (Vivek Sagar 2, Sukhjeet 47) drew with Australia 2 (Ephraums 37, Howard 52); Shootout: India 4 (Harmanpreet 2, Dilpreet, Sukhjeet) bt Australia 3 (Harvie, Marais, Welch).
