AGE CORRESPONDENT
New Delhi
Oct. 15: Sandeep Singh’s four goals were negated by Canada as they held India to a 4-4 draw in the third Test of the seven-match series at the Tamanawis Park in Surrey, Canada, on Wednesday.
Sandeep scored in the ninth, 18th, 31st and 45th minutes while Scott Tupper (second), Rob Short (66th) and Mark Pearson (68th and 70th min) were the scorers for Canada. India continue to lead the series 2-0.
Canada began aggressively and took an early lead when the India conceded a soft penalty corner in the second minute, which Tupper placed perfectly to goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza’s right.
Stung by the reversal, India took a firm grip on the proceedings soon after with forays from both flanks.
A physical tackle by Scott Sandison on Rajpal gave India their first penalty corner from which Sandeep converted to level the score. Sandeep scored again nine minutes later after Shivendra was brought down by Canada’s Gabbar Singh.
The drag-flicker completed his hat-trick with a scorcher past custodian David Carter in the 31st minute after striker Roshan Minz found the foot of a Canadian defender.
India increased their lead to 4-1 in the 45th minute after a splendid Halappa-Prabhjot Singh move from the left flank was halted by a Canadian obstruction. Sandeep found the target high to Carter’s left.
Coach Jose Brasa was visibly upset after the draw and said his defence had thrown away the match in the final minutes with irresponsible and unprofessional play.