FIH Hockey World League Final 2017: India hold Australia to 1-1 draw in opening match
India drew their first match of Group B against world number two Australia 1-1 at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on Friday. It was a strong display of hockey by the Indian team, who attacked well and held Australia to 1-1 draw
In the first quarter, India began on a positive note and Gurjant Singh almost scored from a rebounded shot off the keeper. In the 5th minute, team India earned their first penalty corner but could not convert into a goal as it was blocked by the defenders.
Australia came back well by earning their first penalty corner in the 11th minute. The danger was averted by the Indian defenders, however. At the end of 1st quarter, the scores remained 0-0.
India continued to dominate Australia at the start of the second quarter. In the 20th minute, Manpreet Singh gave an excellent pass to Mandeep, who hit a reverse flick shot which went into the goal to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
However, Australia equalized in the next minute itself as Hayward converted a penalty corner. From there, India played aggressive hockey but could not convert chances into a goal. At the end of first half, India and Australia were equal at 1-1.
The third quarter saw India earn two successive penalty corners but they could not convert any of them. Both teams had chances of converting goals via short corners but at the end of the third quarter, the scores still remained 1-1.
In the final quarter, India continued to play an attacking style of hockey. They missed quite a few chances, with the best one coming in the 52nd minute as a shot hit the crossbar and did not go into the goal. The Australian defence was solid despite being under pressure and they held on the for the draw.
The Indian team certainly need to take chances if they are to do well in the upcoming matches against tough opponents. With this result, both teams earned one point each. India’s next game will be against England on Saturday.