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Antwerp (Belgium), March 8 (IANS) Indian men's hockey team ended their tour of Europe with a splendid 3-2 win against Great Britain here on Monday.
Harmanpreet Singh's goal in the very first minute and two goals by Mandeep Singh in the 28th and 59th minutes helped India remain undefeated on the tour.
For Great Britain, James Gall (20th minute) and striker Adam Forsyth (55th) scored. In their previous match, India's Simranjeet Singh had scored a late goal to hold Great Britain to a 1-1 draw and against Germany, the PR Sreejesh-led side had secured a 6-1 win and a 1-1 draw respectively.
In Monday's match, India started off aggressively and earned a penalty corner in the very first minute of the game. The opportunity was duly converted by India's vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh to give his side an early lead.
Though Great Britain replied to the setback with a structured attack that helped them make a foray into the striking circle, a goal was denied by an alert Indian goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak. The early advantage helped the Indians maintain pressure on their opponents, ending the first quarter with a 1-0 lead.
Great Britain drew parity in the 20th minute through midfielder James Gall's field goal. The much-needed equaliser helped his team gain the right momentum. Putting India under pressure, Britain earned a penalty corner, but their attempt was derailed by a brilliant save by India captain PR Sreejesh. India's moment to regain the lead came in the 28th minute when forward Mandeep Singh successfully converted the penalty corner on the rebound.
Ahead by a goal, India rallied to extend the lead further with aggressive attack in the third quarter. Though they fetched a penalty corner in the early minutes of that quarter and even made as many as five entries into the circle, they were denied each time. India's defence, however, remained resolute as they held on to the 2-1 lead.
Though India dominated the proceedings at the start of the fourth quarter, a quick turnaround saw Great Britain grabbing the opportunity as Alan Forsyth scored an equaliser in the 55th minute. The last few minutes was a battle of nerves as both teams lived up to the billing, but it was Mandeep who rose to the occasion as his late strike help India cap off their first assignment of 2021 with a 3-2 win against Great Britain.
--IANS
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