Emphatic win for India
S. Thyagarajan
India has four points from two matches
Arjun Halappa scores the first goal
IPOH: A modicum of flair, fluency and finesse mirrored in the comprehensive 3-0 victory India accomplished over Malaysia in the Azlan Shah hockey tournament here on Wednesday. The winner led 2-0 at the break.
Casting aside the note of depression that set in after being forced to share points with Egypt, the Indians displayed assurance in the work outs.
From the start, the team launched a series of forays, thanks to the persistent pressure that Gurbaj Singh, in the company of Arjun Halappa, created for the Malaysian defenders. Almost throughout, the Indians had a firm grip over the proceedings.
The noticeable point in this evening’s victory was the strength of the mid-field where, apart from Gurbaj on the right and Prabhodh on the left were prominent, mid-fielder Sardar Singh contributed immensely with astute forward passes. Dilip Tirkey stood like a bastion and support from Sandeep Singh was outstanding.
Baljit shines
It would be unfair if the work of Baljit Singh under the bar is not properly appreciated. He saved only a few but every one was a gem, that almost nullified the penalty corner sequences created by the Malaysian set, headed by Rahim.
India was off the mark midway through after setting up the pace. Sandeep fumbled a bit but as the ball rolled Arjun Halappa drove it into the boards. The Egyptian umpire, An Del Rady, signalled the shot was raised, but a protest by the Indians forced him to consult the other, Gareth Greenfield, and award the goal.
Before half-time Sandeep Singh produced a low shot from a penalty corner to increase the lead.
For a brief period in the second half, the Malaysians made desperate efforts to wrest the initiative but the Indian defenders smothered the pressure. Close on time, India struck again, this time Guvinder Singh Chandi making amends for a few errors he committed in leading the frontline.
India has four points from two matches, while Malaysia’s tally remains at six after three games.
Kiwis hold Egypt
The Kiwis managed to salvage only a 1-1 draw after a goalless first half against Egypt in the earlier encounter.
For the Kiwis, danger lurked in the form of Ezz Ahmed, whose loping runs down the left flank caused repeated alarm. That he had a hand in the goal was very much in the fitness of things. After covering a good deal of distance early in the second half Ezz released a perfect pass for Abd El Hakeim Ahmed to increase the lead.
Shocked by this reverse, New Zealand intensified its frontline workouts and succeeded when Steven Edwards capped a nice solo run. This was perhaps the brightest moment for the Kiwis in the match.
The results: Egypt 1 (Abd El Hakeim Ahmed) drew with New Zealand 1 (Steven Edwards); India 3 (Arjun Halappa, Sandeep Singh, Guruvinder Singh Chandi) bt Malaysia 0.
Thursday’s matches: New Zealand vs. India (2.30 p.m.); Pakistan vs. Egypt (4.30 p.m.)
Courtesy: The Hindu