Monday, February 27, 2012

Indian hockey keep its date with London,

India played far better  for most part of the match consistently  mounted continuous raids on the rival citadel from the very beginning. India got their first scoring chance as early as in the third minute when they were awarded a penalty corner but Sandeep failed to convert it. Manpreet Singh then came tantalisingly close to giving India the lead in the 16th minute but his reverse shot from top of a very crowded circle was blocked by an agile French goalkeeper Mathias Dierckens.
India dominating scored two goals in a span of two minutes to take control of the game. India finally broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Lakra scored with a reverse hit after being fed by Manpreet’s cross from the right. Sandeep then made the scoreline 2-0 from India’s second penalty corner following a video referral after Shivendra was brought down inside the French circle. French down 0-2, came up with a stunning field goal just five minutes later when Martin-Brisac beautifully deflected home Sebastien Jean-Jean’s quick cross from the right flank.  France’s joy was shortlived as Sandeep scored his second goal of the match two minutes later from India’s third short corner. First half  had a keen contest between the two teams in penalty corner its  conversion was the order of the day after resumption of play as Sandeep ripped apart the French defence with his precision drag-flicking.
Sandeep game is considered as one of the best penalty corner specialists in the world, converting three consecutive penalty  in a span of fourteen  minutes to ride the match and shape India’s place in the London Olympics.
 Sunil scored a field goal after he was set up by Tushar Khandker and Danish Mujtaba. Raghunath drove the final nail on France’s coffin, converting India’s seventh short corner with a powerful flick to the top of the French goal. Match completely an host affair and India could have won the match by a bigger margin had they not wasted many scoring opportunities that came their way. The win not only ensured India’s place in the London Games, but also made all the players richer by Rs 2 lakh each, member and  staff will get  Rs one lakh each as promised by Hockey India and Lalit Group of Hotels. Media agencies

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