Hockey Olympic qualifiers: India men’s defeat Russia 4-2 in the first leg

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The Indian men’s hockey team defeated Russia by 4-2 in the first leg of Olympic qualifiers played at Kalinga Stadium, Bhuvneshwar on Friday.
Russia got off to a great start in the 3rd minute but the shot was well saved by Indian goalkeeper P Sreejesh. Manpreet Singh went for a shot but finds the keeper. The Russian defenders interpreted, and Indian captain decided to review straightaway for tackle. The umpire decided to give a penalty stroke and Harmanpreet Singh makes it 1-0 in the 6th minute. It was a good performance by both teams. At the end of first half, India led 1-0.

It was a superb start for the visitors as Kuraev levelled the scores in the 17th minute as sloppy from Rupinder Pal Singh costed India the goal. The Indian attackers made aggressive moves but could make into goals. A brilliant reverse flick shot by Mandeep Singh gave India a 2-1 lead in the 21st minute. Just before the half time, India earned a penalty corner but failed to capitalize on the chance. India led 2-1 at the end of half-time.

Russia began the third quarter in an attacking move which went wide off the goal post. The visitors played with great confidence putting pressure on Indian defence but could not covert chances into goals. Both teams had chances of scoring goals but failed to convert those chances. At the end of third quarter India still led 2-1.

SV Sunil produced a brilliant field goal in the 48th minute to give India 3-1 lead. Mandeep Singh scored his 2nd goal of the match as brilliant control from the attackers and Mandeep gave a slight touch to make it 4-1 in favour of India. Russia attacked well in last few minutes but Indian defence was up the mark. In the 57th minute, India earned a penalty corner but the dragflick was blocked easily. Semen Matkovsikly scored a brilliant penalty corner goal in 59th minute to reduce the gap 2-4. It was not a decent performance from the Indian men’s team missing lots of chances.

The Indian men’s and women’s team produced good performances. Both are on the verge of qualifying for Tokyo Olympics in 2020. India and Russia will play 2nd leg tomorrow.

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Indian men's team beat Russia 4-2 in first match of Hockey Olympic qualifiers 

Location: Bangalore

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