Press Trust of India
Raipur, Dec 3: When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Hosts India got going after an uninspiring group league performance to beat Great Britain 2-1 and enter the semifinals of the Hockey World League (HWL) Finals here Thursday at the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium.
World No. 6 India came into the match as underdogs having finished last in Pool B with just one point. Great Britain ranked fourth, on the other hand, were touted as favourites as they topped Pool A with two wins and a draw.
But having faced a lot of flak in the last few days for their inconsistent showing in the league stage, the Indians came out with purpose even though Great Britain had the better share of ball possession and circle
entries.
India secured just one penalty corner in the match which was beautifully converted by VR Raghunath in the 19th minute before Talwinder Singh doubled the lead in the 39th minute.
It was not easy for the Indians as Great Britain fought hard and tried to forge a comeback into the match in the fourth and final quarter when Simon Mantell scored from a penalty corner in the 52nd minute. It was their only success from the six they earned.
India started on a bright note and enjoyed the majority of the possession in the opening two quarters. They looked far more organised and coordinated, but what stood out was their determination as they chased down each and every ball in the opposition half.
It was India who had the first shy at the goal when Dharamvir Singh’s brilliant solo run from the left flank found out Talwinder inside the ‘D’ but the striker messed up the opportunity.
India’s persistent attack earned them their first penalty corner in the 19th mintute and Raghunath made no mistake in giving his side the lead with a powerful low flick to the right of Great Britain goalkeeper Harry Gibson.
