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In their second encounter of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021-22 on Wednesday, the Indian Men’s Hockey team used a blistering attack to defeat hosts South Africa 10-2. With his excellent drag flicks, newcomer Jugraj Singh (4′, 6′, 23′) excelled in India’s high-scoring triumph, contributing three stunning goals to the total.
He was named Player of the Match for his efforts. India’s other goal scorers were Harmanpreet Singh (2′), Abhishek (12′), Gursahibjit Singh (24′, 36′), Dilpreet Singh (25′, 58′), and Mandeep Singh (27′).
The bronze medalists from the Tokyo Olympics opened the match with a devastating attack that penetrated the South African defense. In the first minute of the game, they were awarded a penalty corner.
While South African attacker Keenan Horne blocked Harmanpreet’s initial effort, the Indian Vice Skipper was brilliant in his second try with a furiously executed flick that beat South African goalkeeper Estiaan Kriek. India’s initial goal set the tone for the rest of the game, as they went on to score three more goals in the first quarter.
Jugraj Singh, who excelled with his skill to drag-flick, scored India’s second and third goals.
While his first goal was forcefully struck on the goalie’s top right, his second goal, which was supported by Jarmanpreet Singh’s good injection and accurate stopping by Vivek Sagar Prasad, was struck low on the right of the South African goalkeeper. An oversight on the part of Abhishek intercepted the ball within the circle and took a successful shot on goal in the 12th minute, much to the delight of the South African defense.
India dominated the opening quarter with eight shots on goal and 65 percent ball possession after scoring four goals. Though South Africa made some gains into the attacking circle in the second quarter, with Horne taking a potential shot on goal in the 22nd minute, India’s defense held firm to prevent conceding a goal. In the meantime, the team’s forward line put up a solid structure that led to back-to-back goals.
While Jugraj Singh scored a hat-trick in the 23rd minute when he converted a PC gained by Abhishek, Gursahibjit scored in the 24th minute, and Dilpreet scored in the 25th minute, Mandeep scored in the 27th minute, extending India’s lead to a commanding 8-0 advantage at half-time.
With a large lead, India appeared to lose some steam in the third quarter. A weak Indian defense allowed the South African forward line to create chances in the striking circle after an initial burst in the attack that saw Gursahibjit score his second goal of the match in the 36th minute. India gave away at least three penalty corners, one of which was converted in the 44th minute when Daniel Bell pushed the ball past Sreejesh’s left foot. The goal boosted the hosts’ confidence, and in the 45th minute, Richard Pautz scored another excellent field goal.
Though India maintained its 9-2 advantage, the two goals scored by the hosts boosted their spirits in the last minutes of the game as they sought a third goal. Both sides had adequate scoring chances in the fourth quarter. While India’s defense rallied to prevent a third goal, their front line worked together to assist Dilpreet in scoring in the 58th minute. Despite the Indian offensive earning a PC in the final seconds of the game, South Africa defended admirably to finish the game with a score of 10-2. On February 12, India will face France.
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