K ARUMUGAM
India was sitting pretty at half time with an unanswered brace from livewire forward Abhishek. However, two unforced errors in their circle that led to two penalty corners undid all the hard work that India put out in the first half. Australia walked away with a memorable 3-2 win, the winning Tom Craig’s goal coming just 38 secs before the hooter. The on duty umpire did not give this decisive penalty corner but the video umpire on referral. Its India’s consecutive fifth defeat, a dubious record being set up.
India held sway in the entire first half, which turned out to be a redeeming as India was seen a loser after it lost four matches in trot in the ongoing European leg of the FIH Proleague.
Tom Craig scoring the winner 38 secs before the hooter, handing 5th consecutive defeat for India Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera deserves a lot of encomium for keeping India citadel on a clean slate. Some of his one-to-one saves and covering the right posts stood out.
It was Abhishek who has been a thorn in the flesh of earlier rivals Argentina and Netherlands, lived up to his reputation in the match, especially in the first quarter. He was high reflexive when shot India to lead in the very 8th minutes itself.
Once again he was in the forefront to get India its only penalty corner in the first half but Jugraj’ straight drag was well judged by the rival goalie and easily padded above the net.
The PC was a lucky godsend for the Indians as it came when Abhishke was tripped on the edge of the circle, which most umpires would ignore but today was different as India got this short corner which went in vain.
close to second quarter Abhishek outwittned couple of chasers to send a perfect cross in the circle but two forward waiting for deflection could not connect the ball, as it was very fast perhaps.
India was two rungs down in the Proleague points table after losing both the matches to Netherlands and Argentina. India went to the Eruopean leg holding third spot but sliped two steps when it faced Australia today.
Therefore there was a measure of despondency with the Indians to reburnish their sagging morale. Their intention was also evident when they took early lead and then protected it till the half time.
Abhishek again shot in the early part of post lemon session. A loose ball was gathered by Sukheet and suppied to him on the top of the circle. With no one challenge and feeling free to trade his ware, he shot a strong reverse that richooted into the net travelling between the legs of the goalkeeper.
It was a beauty for its conception and execution.
However India was put on defensive by the Australians in the entire second half. India paid the penalty for being defensive, with the Australians last two goals coming through well executed penalty corners.
Tom Craig will be long remembered for being the match winning goal striker in the nick of time