Indian Jrs. beat World No.2 Australia

India Jr. beat World No. 2 Australia 2-1 in their opening fixture of the National Australian Youth Olympic Festival at the Olympic Center, Homebush, Sydney today. India who led 2-0 at half time scored the goals through right winger Mandip Antil (11th min.) and captain Diwakar Ram (25th min.). Australia reduced the margin from a penalty corner scored by Tristan White (66th min.).

India started strongly pressurizing the Australian defense and causing their rivals to commit unforced errors. The Indian mid-fielders and forwards moved in tandem and made incisive inroads into the Australian defensive areas.

Mandip Antil seized the opportunity in the 11th minute after being set up by Vivek in the central midfield to give India the lead. His crisp hit left the Australian goalkeeper dumbfounded. The Indian forwards and halves moving seamlessly together, the visitors earned their first penalty corner when a deliberate obstruction occurred in the Australian semi-circle.

India skipper Diwakar Ram made no mistake with a low drag flick to the left of the goalkeeper. Towards the end of the first session, Australia mounted sorties to reduce the margin. However, this was not to be despite three penalty corner attempts which were foiled by India.

Entering the second half with a two goal deficit, Australia endeavored to break the Indian defense but was challenged by the speed of the Indian forwards and midfielders who fell back in defense.

Australia reduced the margin late in the match when defender Tristan White scored off penalty corner in the 66th minute.

India had two more chances to increase their tally. Efforts by Mandip Antil, who shot to the goal keeper was followed by Diwakar Ram’s drag flick, was off target.

India will play their next match against Great Britain tomorrow (Wednesday).

Press Release by Media, Adhoc Committee, IHF.