After 11 mintues, the scoreline was reading 2-0 in favour of the Indian hockey team. At that moment, it seemed like Australian coach Ric Charleworth’s statement that India, being an unpredictable team, can beat them on any given day, would come true on Wednesday.
In the next 59-minutes, the highly-tactical and fiercely competitive visiting team, however, turned the result on its head and slammed seven goals with impunity to qualify for semifinals of the Hero Hockey World league (HWl) Final at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here. After the 2-7 loss, India will play in the classification matches for fifth to eighth place after a rest day on Friday.
Right from the start of the match, the pace of play was intense and the ball kept flying from one end to the other. India took the control and shocked the visitors with a brilliant start with two early goals as the Aussies took time to get their act together. Birendra lakra hit the left corner of the post in the sixth minute and five minutes later, Yuvraj Walmiki deflected a backhand hit from SK Uthappa to give India a surprising 2-0 lead.
The Terry Walsh’s side continued to enjoy the moment for another 10 minutes as the Aussies took time to get into rhythm. Given the competitive and combative nature of the player from Down Under, everyone knew that they are capable of changing the colour of the match. And they fought back hard with all their might and tactical acumen.
The Indian backline which seemed disciplined so far, began to feel the pressure and made a messy tackle which was subsequently converted into a penalty corner goal by Nicholas Budgeon in the 24th minute. Five minutes later, a diagonal pass from Tim Deavin reached an unmarked Jason Wilson, who tapped the ball in from close range to help the Kangaroos equalise 2-2 and in the last minute before the half-time, Glenn Turner fired the ball from open play to make 3-2.
After the change of ends, the Kookaburras completely dominated the proceedings and attacked with more brutality. Russell Ford inflicted further damage with a brace in the 41st and 47th minute. Jacob Whetton and Simon Orchard also scored a goal each as the World Cup holders seemed to be on the goal-scoring spree in front of a vociferous and noisy crowd, who turned up in good numbers.
After the match, Indian Head coach Walsh said that his team lost to a supremely-fit opponent. “We were brilliant to take the 2-0 lead and at that time, Australians were struggling. I reckon that the major difference lies in the physiological aspect of the two teams. After the initial 25 minutes, we lost control and they took charge. The tough and hardened bodies of the Australians outweighed our soft bodied Indians. Otherwise, I am very happy with the way we challenged the world number two,” Walsh told reporters.