2024 Paris Olympics: Indian men's hockey team stuns Australia 3-2
The Indian men's hockey team won its final Pool B match, beating Australia 3-2 at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday. India went 2-0 up in the first quarter with goals from Abhishek and Harmanpreet Singh. Australia pulled a goal back through Tom Craig (2nd quarter). It was Harmanpreet who restored India's advantage. Blake Govers scored Australia's second goal in the final quarter.
India go 2-0 up in the first quarter
India made an impressive start with Mandeep Singh looking sharp before Sukhjeet Singh missed a glorous chance. Australia had their moments thereafter but Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was in his zone. He also denied Ky Willot. In the 12th minute, Abhishek scored from a rebound after Lalit Upadhyay had his shot saved. Moments later, Harmanpreet scored from a penalty corner as India gained control.
Australia pull a goal back in the 2nd quarter
Australia had the better start in the second quarter and asked the Indian team questions. However, it was Sreejesh who made a stunning save from Lachlann Sharp's shot. In the dying stages of the second quarter, Australia were rewarded in the 29th minute. Australia earned a penalty corner before the ball was recycled and played across goal where Craig scored from a tap in.
Harmanpreet's goal hands India advantage in 3rd quarter
Sreejesh was brilliant for India as he denied Tom Wickham from scoring an qualizer at the start of the 3rd quarter. India earned a penalty corner before Harmanpreet's dragflick hit the foot of Flynn Ogilvie as India got a penalty stroke. A two-goal cusion was restored as Harmanpreet scored. The Men in Blue then defended strongly, sitting deep behind and thwarting the Aussies.
Australia score through Govers
India did well in the 4th quarter but couldn't find a goal with Harmanpreet drawing out a save from his penalty corner. Abhishek too had a shot saved. India earned another penalty corner but Amit Rohidas missed. India scored thereafter but a video team referral saw the goal get ruled out. In the 55th minute, Govers scored for Australia from a penalty stroke.
Olympics: 12th meeting between the two sides
This was the 12th meeting between the two teams at the Olympics. The Indian hockey team now owns four wins cmpared to Australia's six. Meanwhile, two matches have been drawn.
Journey of India and Australia at Paris Olympics
India overcame New Zealand 3-2 before playing out a 1-1 draw against Argentina. Thereafter, a 2-0 win over Ireland followed suit. India were beaten by Belgium next in a 2-1 affair. Australia started with two successive wins, beating Argentina 1-0 and Ireland 2-1 respectively. Belgium humbled Australia 6-2 thereafter before the latter thrashed NZ 5-0. India have now beaten the Aussies.
India assured second place in Pool B
India, who gained a quarter-final berth earlier, assured a second-place finish behind Belgium in Pool B. After five matches, India finished with 10 points (W3 D1 L1). Australia would be finishing fourth if Argentina stun favorites Belgium tonight.
India vs Australia: Here are the match stats
Australia scored two goals from 19 shots. India managed three goals from 12 shots. India also had more possession (54%). Both teams earned five penalty corners each. Australia had 36 attacking circle penetrations compared to India's 20.
