What seemed initially an even contest changed its contour as the match progressed with India establishing supreme control over England to hand out a heartwarming 5-3 defeat.
India struck through Parvinder Singh, Varun Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh and Simrajjit Singh in a rhythmic fashion.
India conceded two late goals when it was playing a man less with Mandeep Singh, who steered India to a commendable position when it had faced stiff challenge from England in the first 15 minutes, was in sin bin on account of yellow card.
The much expected match between the two titans in Pool D started on a brisk note, Horler missing out a sitter, sweeping the ball wide from close range, and in return Sumit Kumar hitting wide off his forehand.
Two minutes into the second half, India got their fourth penalty corner of which Harmanpreet Singh enlivened the vast crowd. His drag into the far left cage left the goalie bemused, sheer force doing the trick (3-1)
Ten minutes later in the second half after Harman’s feat, Simranjit Singh gave finishing touches to a mild parallel pass by Gurjant off Harjeet took the English spirit away. It was Harjeet in the centre who outpaced a host of defender before passing gem of a ball to Gurjant (4-1).
England caught Indian defence unawares with an immaculate strike in the 10th minute through Jack Clee and then 15 minutes later Parvinder Singh equalized after futile penalty corner attempt by Varun Kumar.
Forty seconds before Arman Qureshi tapped a slow feed into the empty cage to give lead 2-1.
It was slightly high hit from right flank by captain Harjeet Singh into the D, where Parvinder stopped it with a gently tap. The ball bounced and dangerously reached Arman Qureshi, who just tapped the ball in a quick reflex.
However, England did not allow much time to rejoice the goal, as they will force a penalty corner through the foul by Harmanpreet. However, English penalty corner drill was sloppy, stopper could not stop the fast push.
India thus returned for lemon time on a high
When things went rough for India in the initial phase, its Mandeep Singh’s experience that lent fight chances for India. He could extract first two penalty corners though the colts would waste both.
Fittingly enough, Mandeep was again declared Man of the Match.
with 5-1 lead, India replaced Vikas with young goalie Krishan Pathak, who was received with a well executed England goal (5-2) in the 62nd minute by Wil Calnan. India was this time playing a man less as Mandeep Singh was sitting in the sin bin with an yellow card suspension.
Ina counter attack, new goalie Krishan erred in blocking, leaving the ball to raise dangerously, leading to England’s third goal of which Edward Horler struck over the head of Krishan (5-3) three minutes before the hooter.
Earlier, England missed out both penalty corners on weak stopping on the edge of the circle.