NEW DELHI: The Indian men's hockey team displayed a spirited performance to hold England to a 1-1 draw in their third match at the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation - International Tournament in Barcelona on Friday.
England took an early lead in the fifth minute through a goal scored by Sam Ward. However, India fought back and managed to level the scores in the 29th minute with a goal from Harmanpreet Singh.
Despite their determined efforts on the field, the draw meant that India is now out of contention for a spot in the final, having previously lost to the hosts (Spain) and drawn with the Netherlands in their previous matches.
Even though England took the lead with Ward's stunning field goal, India showed resilience and defended well to thwart two consecutive penalty corners by England.
The Indian forward line continued to attack and earned a penalty corner in the 12th minute. Unfortunately, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh's goal was disallowed by the umpire due to dangerous play.
The Indian team displayed positive body language and tenacity throughout the match, but their efforts were not enough to secure a win and progress to the tournament's final.
Nonetheless, the team's performance showed promise and determination as they continue their preparations for future challenges in international hockey.
With England leading by a goal, India came out with a new burst of attack in the early minutes of the second quarter, led by vice captain Hardik Singh, whose stick-work gave Indian fans hope for a goal.
However, a goal-mouth scramble ensured that England maintained their lead.
It took India a lot of effort to break through the English defence, and it wasn't until the 29th minute that India were able to level the score. It was Harmanpreet yet again leading the charge, as he broke no sweat in converting a brilliant penalty corner.
A goal just before the 10-minute half-time break meant that the two teams would return with strategies that would promise exciting 30 minutes of play. With a spot in the final at stake, both teams lived up to the billing with their brilliant attacking tactics that kept the spectators glued.
Having shaken off the early nervousness, young India goalie Pawan who replaced Sreejesh in the third quarter came up with a fine save in the 35th minute when England earned a penalty corner.
India too found a couple of chances in the following minutes. But they could not manage to put it past England's custodian James Mazarelo.
With the score reading 1-1, the final quarter remained tense for India.
Desperate to find a breakthrough, India came up with a disciplined attacking structure while Sreejesh produced some incredible saves to keep the scoreline intact.
India found a golden opportunity to score in the dying minutes when they won a PC. This was after the team had pulled their goalkeeper out for the want of an extra man in their attack. The tactic worked, but India could not convert from the PC with Mazarelo making a fine save with his foot.
That ended India's hope of progressing to the final in Terassa, Barcelona.
The team will next play the placing match against the losing team of the next league match -- Spain versus Netherlands -- before heading back home.
(With PTI inputs)
