India rout China 5-0 in ACT opener
The young Indian hockey team began its Asian Champions Trophy campaign in style as it spanked hosts China 5-0, displaying flashes of brilliance and dictating the pace of the game on Saturday. In the first half, India led 2-0 with goals from Gurwinder Singh Chandi (5th) and Yuvraj Walmiki (21st). In the second half, India scored through Rupinder Pal Singh (41st), Rajpal Singh (43rd) and V Raghunath (62nd).
It was a slow start for both the teams with China looking handicapped due to the absence of four of their best players with injuries. They were defensive and the Indian forwards took advantage to score an early fifth-minute goal. It was a loose ball that Gurwinder Singh Chandi got hold of and slotted it past the bemused Chinese goalkeeper.
China surprisingly didn’t go on the attack. They pulled back players and played with a lone forward upfront. India did have the space and advantage in numbers but were erratic and not building up to the striking circle. Rajpal and Sarwanjit had a good chance in the 15th minute but couldn’t connect inside the circle. China tried to build through the middle but Rupinder Pal Singh was terrific in defence. In the 19th minute, China almost got through but Rupinder in a super-sliding tackle took out the ball and while falling on the turf also cleared it away to the midfield.
“I am happy for the boys but make no mistake this team has to put in a lot of work. We have spent a lot of time over the last four weeks explaining certain things and I am glad a few of those worked against China,” India’s coach Michael Nobbs said. “In fact, Ravi Pal said to me that this is the first international match he has enjoyed playing. The boys had fun as they were helping each other out.”