The Indian men’s hockey team launched a strong attack to beat hosts South Africa 10-2 in their second match of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021/2022 here on Wednesday.
Newcomer Jugraj Singh (4′, 6′, 23′) starred in India’s high-scoring victory as he scored three brilliant goals in the scoreline with his impeccable drag flick. His effort earned him the Player of the Match award. Harmanpreet Singh (2′), Abhishek (12), Gursahibjit Singh (24, 36), Dilpreet Singh (25, 58), Mandeep Singh (27) were the other goalscorers for India.
Earlier in the match, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalists began proceedings with a deadly attack that exposed the South African defence. He got a penalty corner in the first minute of the game. While Harmanpreet’s first attempt was blocked by South African pacer Keenan Horn, the vice-captain for India was perfect in his second attempt with a forceful strike to beat South African goalkeeper Estienne Krick.
The opening goal for India set the pace of their attack as they scored three more goals in the first quarter. India’s second and third goals were courtesy of Jugraj Singh, who impressed with his ability to drag-flick. While his first goal was hit powerfully on the top right of the goalkeeper, his next goal which was well assisted with a fine injection by Jarmanpreet Singh and a precise stop by Vivek Sagar Prasad to the right of the South African goalkeeper. And less was killed.
A mistake by the South African defenders saw Abhishek intercept the ball inside the circle with a successful shot on goal in the 12th minute. With four goals on the board, India sealed the first quarter in a dominant fashion with eight shots on goal and 65 per cent of the ball possession.
Although South Africa made some inroads into the striking circle in the second quarter with a possible shot on goal with a horn in the 22nd minute, India’s defense swayed to avoid a goal. Meanwhile, the team’s forward-line put together a fine structure that resulted in back-to-back goals. While Jugraj Singh scored a hat-trick of goals by converting a PC earned by Abhishek in the 23rd minute, Gursahibjit in the 24th minute, Dilpreet in the 25th minute and Mandeep in the 27th minute took India’s lead 8-0. before half time.
With a strong lead, India seemed to pick up the pace a bit in the third quarter. After an early burst into the attack, in which Gursahibjit scored his second goal of the match in the 36th minute, a sloppy Indian defense gave way to the South African forward line creating opportunities in the striking circle. India gave away at least three PCs, of which they converted one when Daniel Bell pushed the ball off Sreejesh’s left foot in the 44th minute.
The goal did well for the hosts’ confidence as they scored another fine field goal in the 45th minute through Richard Potz. Though India continued to enjoy a 9-2 lead, two goals scored by the hosts made them more excited in the later minutes of the match as they hunted for the third goal. In the final quarter, both the teams created ample chances to score.
While India’s defense rallied together to avoid scoring a third goal, their forward line helped Dilpreet score in the 58th minute of the match. Although the Indian attack earned a PC in the final seconds of the match, South Africa put up a good defense to end the match with 10-2 on the scoreboard.
India will take on France on February 12.
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