The Indian men’s hockey team on Friday stunned Tokyo Games silver medalists and arch-rivals Australia 3-2 in the final Group B match of the Paris Olympics at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium to advance to the quarterfinals.
It was India’s first victory against Australia in hockey at the Olympics since Munich 1972 – 52 years ago.
With this win, the Indian team has now ousted Australia to occupy the second position in the pool with three wins, two draws and a loss. Australia is in third place with three wins and two losses.
Abhishek opened the scoring in the 12th minute from a counter-attack which was quickly doubled by captain Harmanpreet Singh – the world number seven – within a minute from a penalty corner. The Indian skipper scored the third goal early in the third quarter to help the team defeat Australia.
Sreejesh continued to keep the Australian attacks at bay.
Abhishek (12th), skipper Harmanpreet (13th, 33rd) scored for India while Tom Craig (25th) and Blake Govers (55th) found the net for Australia’s fourth team.
In the second quarter, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who was playing his last international tournament, produced some brilliant saves but the Kookaburras eventually found a way. Captain Aaron Zalewski’s shot from the left went wide but Thomas Craig was there to head home from close range.
After the break, India were awarded a penalty in the opening minutes and Harmanpreet smashed it between the keeper’s legs to restore the two-goal cushion.
Also Read
- Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh won second medal in Olympics
- Ola Electric IPO: SoftBank-backed E2W maker raises ₹2,763 crore from anchor investors
Team India got another goal in the last quarter from Abhishek, but a hit on the post in the lead meant the goal was disallowed on recommendation.
This was the 8th match between India and Australia this year, with the Aussies winning the previous 7 matches.
It is important to note that reigning Olympic champions Belgium have won all their matches and are in first place, while Argentina, who have won two, lost and drawn once, completed the top four.
