Fighter488
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Indian hockey team gets a pasting from Australia
Two days after big hope came in the form of a massive win over Pakistan, Indian hockey was once again given a reality check by none other than their nemesis Australia. The Kookaburras played clinical hockey to demoralise India on their way to a CWG Gold medal. The hosts were battered and bruised in a completely one-sided affair.
There were big expectations at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium when India took to the field for the final of CWG hockey. But, the match was more or less over within the first 35 minutes as Australia slammed in 4 goals to simply outclass and more importantly outthink the Indians.
Such was their domination that India could never get going at any point of time in the match. The effort of Indians today was in complete contrast to some quality hockey they dished out against Pakistan and England. It was Australia all the way in the final of CWG hockey. The Kookaburras came up with a lightning performance in the first period of play.
Australia's counter-attack strategy
Egged on by a capacity crowd at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium, India started off the final on a promising note stringing together a couple of attacking moves early on. But, Australian defence was well organised to nullify any Indian attack. It was evident from the word go that the Kookaburras were intent on going for counter attacks. The back four was well in place for Ric Charlesworth's team.
After enjoying major share of possession in the first 20 minutes, India finally won the first penalty corner of the final in the 17th minute. It was wasted by Sandeep Singh, who was completely off-colour today for the hosts. After measuring out Indian attack early on, the Kookaburras got into their stride and started counter-attacking with consummate ease. The first real attempt came only after 15 minutes when a shot taken by Ockendale was deflected by Sandeep Singh and Bharat Chetrri could do nothing much about that. The goal gave the Kookaburras a vital lead.
India tried hard to bounce back but the counter-attacking strategy of Aussies started to put enormous pressure on the Indian defence. Within minutes, Australia won two penalty corners. The second one was converted into a goal by a superb drag-flick by Chris Ciriello, which simply outclassed the hapless defenders who just watched the ball sail past them into the back of the net.
4-0 at half time
Spurred by two quick goals, Australia continued with their counter attacks and it proved fruitful again in the 29th minute when Wilson scored a superb field goal to make it 3-0. And just before the half-time hooter went off, the Kookaburas through another penalty corner conversion, this time by Luke made it 4-0. It was a humiliation in the first period and it only got worse in the second half.
India started off the second period just the way they did in the first and tried their best to put up some aggressive moves. But, the familiar problem came back to haunt again. Poor finishing. An aspect that had a lot to do with marking by the Aussies, who were spot on in the final.
India tried valiantly to get their first goal with a scramble attempt in the 15th minute of second half. But, the resolute Aussie defence managed to keep India at bay. The Kookaburras won their first penalty corner of second half in the 17th minute and the Indian defenders failed to put that away. Another penalty corner for a foul by Chetrri meant Australia had another crack at the Indian goal and they didn't miss this one. The score 5-0 in favour of the Aussies.
From defeat to humiliation to capitulation
If that was enough, Simon had other ideas for the Aussies. He came up with the goal of the match at the hour-mark on the clock. He moved past three Indian defenders and just when it looked like the ball was going out of his reach, he dived in to deflect the ball into the net. This classic goal made it a tennis score line for the Aussies. And the misery didn't end there for India. Australia's inspirational captain Jamie Dwyer too got himself into the score sheet in the 66th minute through a superb goal. And in the final seconds, Glenn Turner made it 8-0 to complete the rout.
India were relieved to hear the hooter go after what has been a case of not just a defeat but a big embarrassment for Indian hockey. It remains to be seen what kind of impact the toothless display has on Indian hockey going forward.
Source: India Syndicate
wonder India playing with out Goal keeper ?
