The Tribune: Rampaging Oz push India out of race
The 4-2 defeat to world champions ends India’s hopes of qualifying for the final
A listless India went down to Australia for their second loss in three matches, pushing them out of the race for the final of the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here today.
Late goals by Ramandeep Singh (52nd and 53rd minutes) brought some excitement back into the game which had started to seem one-sided after Australia took a 4-0 lead through Mark Knowles (28th), Aran Zalewski (35th), Daniel Beale (41st) and Blake Govers (43rd).
But India’s brief resurgence was quickly snuffed out by the table-toppers, who sealed a 4-2 victory to extend their perfect record to three matches.
India, who have rested many senior players for the tournament, had lost their opener to Argentina before drawing with England.
Needing a win to keep their final hopes alive, India started well and had a fair share of the ball possession in the first quarter. They created three chances but could not convert. India’s defence remained resolute for most part of the first half but Australia found the breakthrough in the 28th minute through a penalty-stroke conversion by skipper Knowles.
With seconds to go for the halftime hooter, India won their first penalty corner of the match but young drag-flicker Varun Kumar’s shot rebounded off the crossbar.
Down to 10
Despite trailing, the inexperienced Indian team seemed to be putting up a fight against the world champions. But two mistakes by Amit Rohidas proved fatal as the course of the match changed drastically within 10 minutes.
Rohidas picked up a green card in the 34th minute, and India, down to 10 men, conceded in the next minute.
Zalewski converted a swift move among three players with a diving deflection.
In the 40th minute, Rohidas got a yellow card for a deliberate foul. Within the next three minutes, Australia scored two more goals to virtually end the contest.
Beale finished a counterattack on the second try after a goal-line save. Two minutes later, Govers smashed in a rebound after his drag-flick was saved by Suraj Karkera.
The match lost its energy as Australia eased up. Despite Ramandeep’s quick brace, India never looked capable of making a comeback.
India will take on hosts Malaysia in their fourth match tomorrow. Malaysia pulled off a shock 2-1 win over reigning Olympics champions Argentina today.