FIH Hockey World League Final 2017: Australia star Mark Knowles heaps praise on Indian fans after 1-1 draw against India
Mark Knowles
What's the story?
India and Australia played out a scintillating 1-1 draw on Friday at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha in what was both sides' opening match of the FIH Hockey World League Final 2017.
After conceding first, the Australian side struck back immediately with a conversion from a penalty corner and throughout the course of the match, there were many moments that had fans at the edge of their seats.
The atmosphere also played a major part in the contest with the stadium completely packed to its capacity and every attack being cheered on by the audience. Even the Australian players were in awe of the incredible crowd and captain Mark Knowles stated that it was one of the important reasons his side love playing in India.
In case you didn't know
The FIH Hockey World League Final 2017 kicked off on Friday and saw India take on Australia in a Pool B match. The tournament features a total of eight top-ranked teams fighting to clinch the Hockey World League title.
The heart of the matter
The match between the two sides was a brilliant one, with both sides attacking from the word go. India took the lead through Mandeep Singh in the 20th minute, who rounded the keeper to score with a reverse push.
However, the Australians equalized in the very next minute as Jeremy Hayward delivered with a vicious drag flick from a short corner that flew into the back of the net.
Both sides got a number of opportunities in the second half to score but they were not taken. India missed as many as four penalty corners in the match.
What's next?
India take on England on Saturday in their second pool stage encounter while Australia face Germany.
Author's take
The atmosphere at the stadium was quite an electric one and certainly must have given the players on both sides a real boost!