Believe it. Fairy tale Champions Trophy final for India
After losing honourably to mighty Australia (2-4), India waited four hours to graduate to a fairy tale Champions Trophy final.
After winning a bronze at world level event after 33 years — six months and ten days ago at Raipur in the Hockey World League Final — India is now on its second FIH medal, that too a minimum silver.
After Germany overrun Korea in the second match (7-0), Great Britain that had just five points needed an outright win to dislodge India from second position.
Belgium, with four points, also was in the race for the final. It needed good win to dislodge India on goal difference.
When Belgium took three-goal to one lead with just six minutes remained for the last pool match, it appeared Indian prospects seemed slip to bronze.
Then came the twists and turns to GB-Belgium match.
Coach Crutchley decided to rest goalie and instead put a green bib to pep up attack.
His vision got a boost with a Belgium player getting yellow card and then sent off once for all, as he tried to enter field before mandatory penalty period.
Great Britain in that spell, having two men advantage, took control of the match, and punctured two goals to draw. When it struck a minute 15 seconds left.
British could have struck and entered the final, but the Belgium who earlier defeated India and thus put their final prospects in jeopardy, made amends of sort.
Belgium did not buckle beyond.
The match had to end in draw, creating in its wake maiden entry for India
The Indian team which played a great fourth quarter against Australia today, benefitted.
Belgium, a contender for the final finished fifth and is out of even bronze
Germany will now take on Great Britain for the third place honour.
India will take on Australia in the wee hours of Saturday morning (00:45 AM).