India’s victory temporarily puts them at the top of the group with seven points, one ahead of Belgium and Australia, who play later in the day. In punishing heat and draining conditions, Harmanpreet’s first-half brace enabled India to overcome a strong challenge from Ireland and secure a 2-0 win in a Pool-B hockey match at the Yves du Manoir Stadium on Tuesday.
With two wins and a draw, India has seven points from three matches. Argentina’s win over New Zealand later in the day confirmed India’s progress to the quarterfinals.
After conceding goals first against New Zealand and Argentina, India had a better start, exploring gaps and passing the ball well to put pressure on Ireland. Abhishek was brilliant on the left, combining with Sukhjeet to earn India’s first penalty corner in the second minute.
India’s persistence paid off in the 11th minute as Gurjant made a superb interception and combined with Mandeep Singh. Gurjant was fouled inside the circle, leading to a penalty stroke, which Harmanpreet converted, beating Irish keeper David Harte on the left.
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Following a longer inter-quarter break due to excessive heat, allowing goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh to rest in the shade behind the post to save energy, India maintained their momentum to double their lead. India earned three successive short corners, and Harmanpreet’s power-packed drag-flick deflected off a defender’s stick into the top left corner of the post in the 19th minute.
India’s 11 circle penetrations compared to Ireland’s four in the first 30 minutes indicated the match’s tempo. The third quarter belonged to Ireland, which had fought well against Belgium and Australia before losing 2:0 and 2:1 respectively. They exhibited more organized hockey and earned eight penalty corners in five minutes as India loosened its grip. But Sreejesh and his team were alert enough to block everything.
India was fortunate to survive another scare when Benjamin Walker missed a clear chance after Amit Rohidas and Jarmanpreet were beaten inside the circle. Ireland continued to apply pressure, securing two short corners, including one in the last minute of the fourth quarter. However, India managed to put up a better show to claim full points.
The result: India 2 (Harmanpreet 11-ps, 19-pc) bt Ireland 0.
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