Melbourne: Rupinder Pal Singh’s brace went in vain as Indian men’s hockey team lost 2-3 to hosts Australia in a tense opening game of the four-nation Invitational Tournament, here Wednesday.
Indians began positively in the first quarter. However, the first 15 minutes ended in a stalemate. Affan Yousuf’s attacking approach almost paid dividends early on had it not been for a solid defense from the Kookaburras.
India managed to gain three successive penalty corners in the second quarter. After missing first two opportunities, Rupinder did not disappoint the third time as his powerful and precise dragflick went past Australian goalkeeper Tristan Clemons to give India a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute.
But the lead was shortlived as Jeremy Hayward scored the equaliser three minutes later, using his dragflicking skills to beat a diving Akash Chikte in front of the Indian goal. At halftime, the game was beautifully poised at 1-1.
India witnessed tough times in the third quarter as the Australians scored two more goals to surge ahead 3-1. Hayward scored his second penalty corner goal in the 36th minute and then Trent Mitton scored his team’s third in the 43rd minute.
However, India did not give up without a fight as Talwinder Singh lifted the spirit with a superb counter-attacking approach only to be denied by the Australian defence. Rupinder brought India back into the game with another penalty corner conversion in the 53rd minute as the match witnessed an engrossing end.
Press Trust of India
