Hockey World Cup: Five-star India thrash South Africa in opener
Live match update
India completely dominated South Africa in their first match of the Hockey world cup played in Bhuvaneshwar. Th hosts won 5-0 with Simranjeet scoring two goals. He also was given the man of the match award.
Other goal scorers for India were Mandeep, Akashdeep and Lalit. India almost ticked off all the boxes scoring both from penalty corners and the open field. Also the Indian defenders withstood the Proteas pressure in the third and fourth quarter and avoided conceding any goals.
The Indians enjoyed overwhelming ball possession and attacked from the flanks and middle. All in all, Harendra Singh will have much to be pleased about.
India has fielded a relatively young side after a disappointing performance in the Asian Games. However, Indian coach is confident that the young team has enough firepower to do well in this tournament.
Lead by Manpreet Singh, the men in blue will look to win and also entertain the crowd with an exciting display of hockey.
Here's the team list:
Live Blog
Live match update
A great start by India. Winning by 5-0 against South Africans who tried their best but just didn't have that requisite class. Tougher challenges are yet to come but for now Indians can rejoice.
Simranjeet scored brace, Mandeep, Akashdeep and Lalit scored a goal apiece ensuring India won by 5 goals.
India just happy to keep possession in the final few minutes of the match.
Great attack from South Africa. Sreejesh just about manages to keep it out. Can they get a consolation goal?
Wow! A moment of magic from Mandeep. Toys with defenders as he dodges past them with ease. Just couldn't manage to finally score though.
Goal!!! Another one for India. Simranjeet scores of rebound from a penalty corner. The green shirts are clearly now crumbling as India dodge past them.
Two quick goals in the third quarter by India. First Simranjeet and then Lalit add to the India's kitty.
Commentators all praise for Akashdeep. Gets the ball so perfectly for Lalit.
Two quick goals in the third quarter by India. First Simranjeet and then Lalit add to the India's kitty.
Commentators all praise for Akashdeep. Gets the ball so perfectly for Lalit.
The third quarter looks to be completely a different match. South Africans are trying desperately to get a goal. Got a penalty corner but Indians just managed to hang around. It is a much better exchange compared to the absolute Indian domination in the first two quarters.
India up 2-0 after half time.
Some good build up but Indians failing to increase the lead.
Some good build up but Indians failing to increase the lead.
South Africa playing slightly better in the second quarter. They are trying to break free against non-stop Indian attack. But Indians look too strong in the counter attack. South Africa indeed have their task cut-out.
First quarter ends. India 2-0 up. Complete domination from the men in blue shirts. They have attacked from the flanks, and also from centre. One goal came from penalty corner, one from field. India has had four shots in goal so far, and an impressive 67% domination of possession.
Goal! Now Akashdeep joins the party. A brilliant field goal, where Akashdeep was ready to latch onto the ball and seamlessly put it in the goal.
Goal!!!! India get their first goal in the 9th minute. India successfully challenges to get a penalty corner. Mandeep scores of the rebound. Slightly chaotic goal but India will take it. Always a great feeling to score the first goal.
Lovely stick play from Lalit to get inside the box,but just can't seal the deal. Still 0-0 after 7 minutes
Tremendous crowd support for Indians. Mandeep gives a brilliant pass for Manpreet, but the deflection just evades the goal. Good press from India in the early minutes.
Lakhra not playing. Early pressure given by India. Clearly they mean business and want to get in the board quickly. Dilpreet and Akashdeep look to get the action rolling.