Defending champions India defeated Australia 1-0 in their last league match to enter the final of the fifth men’s Sultan of Johor Cup junior hockey tournament here on Saturday. India will take on Great Britain in the title clash on Sunday.
India would be defending the title for the third consecutive time this year.
India began on an attacking note today, but Australia played a strong defensive game, denying their opponents any chances to score. The first half eneded goalless.
Australia began the second half on an attacking note but could not sustain it for long.
An error from the Australian half in the 42nd minute resulted in a penalty stroke to India, and Harmanpreet Singh made no mistake in converting the opportunity to give India lead.
“It’s great to finish the league matches on a winning note. It wasn’t an easy game and we played against a tough Australian team today. The boys are confident of defending the title for the third consecutive time,” said India’s junior team coach coach Harendra Singh.
India will now face Great Britain, who has remained unbeaten in tournament so far with three wins and two draws.