Sticking to the tradition of conceding last minute goals, India once again succumbed to defeat agant England in Rabobank Hockey World Cup thanks to a goal a goal by Simon Mantell in the final minute of the play. With this defeat, India’s World Cup campaign has come to an end with no hope of making it to semi-finals of the tournament with back to back defeats
| England beat India 2-1 in Hockey World Cup |
Learning some lessons from the last game, India started the game on a promising note, enjoying early possession and dominating England in every department of the game. All the early domination did give results as India won three penalty corners the first half to give scare of English players. Despite winning three penalty corners, India failed to convert any of them as the injector failed to deliver the ball properly to the players.
England made India pay for not taking early advantage when Mark Gleghorne converted penalty
corner given away by Yuvraj Walmiki for making a bad tackle. Conceding goal against the run of play did not affect Indian team as they just took four minutes to score and bring the game back to level terms. Dharamvir Singh latched on to a pass of Sardara Singh brilliant individual display to with a cracking hit from top of the striking circle.
Second half of the game saw England coming on the field with better intent and winning penalty corner with just four minutes into second half. Sreejesh in form of his life, helped India keep the England at bay and score line at 1-1.
Indian attack, on the other hand created many chances to score with with Yuvraj Walimiki and Mandeep Singh both failing to convert chances given to them.
As has been the trend in recent years, India giving up under pressure by opposition gave a penalty corner in the 68th minute of the game.
Ashley Jackson who is serving a shoulder injury, hit the drag flick when was saved by Sreejesh who clearance reached Mark Gleghorne who slotted the ball home to give England lead in the 70th minute of the game and thus ending any chance for India to score and salvage a draw.
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| Uthappa won his 50th cap today |
For Indian, Sardara Singh turned out to be best player after his play created many chances for the Indian attackers to score. Sardara Singh was equally supported by Gurbaj Singh who took over Sardara’s defensive duties to allow Sardara play more freely. Another notable mention is of P R Sreejesh, despite ending on the losing side in last two games, Sreejesh has played a blinder in the tournament and his inspiring performance has also had some effect on other Indian players.
With this defeat India’s campaign in the World Cup has come to an end after as there is no way for India to make it to the semi-finals of the tournament.
The game was also special for SK Uthappa who won his 50th international cap for India.
Player of the match: Sardara Singh
