The host India produced a thriller on Thursday in Hero Hockey World league quarter final match in a jam-packed stadium and eliminated Great Britain by 2-1. India will take on Belgium in semi-final on Saturday.
Great Britain was literally shocked and stunned by spirited and inspired men in blue. India held on nerves in dying minutes of the game and knocked out Great Britain which were unbeaten in the Pool stage.
Great Britain failed to unlock the Indian defence despite sustained pressure in final minutes.
VR Raghunath gave India lead in the 19th minute, the hosts stretched their lead with a Talwinder Singh stunner in the 39th minute.
Simon Mantell did raise Great Britain’s hopes with a goal but the World No. 5 failed to convert their chances. P Sreejesh was like the Great Wall for India with numerous saves, including a point-blank stop in the closing stages.
It was an absolute treat for Raipurians to witness one of the best games of hockey played by Indians in recent years. Chhattisgarh is hosting any international hockey tournament for the first time ever and crowd response was more than what the organisers had actually expected.