Bhubaneswar: Two goals each by Varun Kumar (second, 49th minutes) and Harmanpreet Singh (11th, 25th minutes) helped India maintain their supremacy in the FIH Men’s Series Finals, and, thereby, clinch the gold medal thrashing South Africa 5-1 in the final at the Kalinga Stadium here, Saturday night.
This was the second time the two teams met each in the last six months. The last time they played, India emerged triumphant 5-0 at the World Cup, also at the same venue.
Reputed for his reverse-flick goals, Gurjant Singh replaced Sumit who was ruled out of the summit clash after sustaining an injury while playing against Japan in the semifinals. India were on the pounce straightaway as a perfect injection by Ramandeep Singh helped the Men in Blue earn their first penalty corner in the second minute. Varun Kumar made no mistake in slotting home, his fifth goal of the tournament.
With this early goal, the Indians put more pressure on their South African counterparts, especially Surender Kumar who used both the flanks with repeated circle entries.
However, the home side didn’t have to wait long as they earned their second penalty corner of the night, which was brilliantly converted by Harmanpreet Singh as Rassie Pieterse stood helpless.
Despite being two goals down, the South Africans made an all-out effort to come back into the game and even came close in the 20th minute. However, India custodian PR Sreejesh did a brilliant job under the bar to avert any danger.
The Indians asserted their supremacy once again as they earned a penalty stroke following a stick check on Birendra Lakra from a South African defender. And they didn’t let the opportunity go amiss as Harmanpreet netted his second of the match in 25 minute to go into the breather with a healthy 3-0 lead.
Lack of confidence and crumbling under pressure were clearly visible on the South African’s body language, making it easier for the Indians. The Tim Drummond-led side made mere three circle entries in the first two quarters.
Teen prodigy Vivek Sagar Prasad piled more misery on the South Africans, who turned more defensive in the third quarter. In the 35th minute of the game, Vivek scored his maiden goal making the scoreline 4-0. With the match already in pocket, Varun increased his tournament tally to six, converting from a penalty corner 10 minutes from the final whistle to complete the rout.
The 16th ranked Proteas, however, pulled one back in the 53rd minute through Richard Pautz off a penalty corner.
Award winners
Best team celebration: Mexico
Fans choice player: Akashdeep Singh (IND)
Fair play: India
Maximum goals: India
Best junior player: Vivek Sagar Prasad (IND)
Best goalkeeper: Jonathan Klages (USA)
Player of the tournament: Manpreet Singh (IND)
PNN
